Oodua Freight Forwarders Clamour For Creation Of Yoruba Nation, Says South West Marginalised
The Oodua Descendant Freight Forwarders Association (ODFFA) has thrown its weight for Yoruba Nation creation as clamoured by some agitators from the South West region of the country, saying people from ” Oduduwa ” are marginalised.
Speaking at press briefing in Lagos on Monday , Founder of the socio cultural group of maritime practitioners , Prince Olusegun Ademola Adefioye lamented that indigenes from the Yoruba descendants are not seen or appointment in maritime agencies, parastatals and departments, a situation he frowned at.
The founder, who is also the National President ODFFA also support governors from the southern part of the country call for restructuring and true federalism.
According to him, the major seaports in the country are situated in the South West but added that no single Yoruba person has been appointed to head any of the parastatals from the maritime sector.
He noted that all the existing formations and units of Nigeria Customs Service, in the South West have no single Yoruba individual as Area Controller despite the large number of Comptrollers in Abuja headquarters.
“I am hundred percent in full support of Oduduwa Republic.As a true Yoruba son and true descendant I am in support because there is too much marginalisation in every circle.
Highlighting some of the areas Yorubas have been sidelined in the industry, the founder noted that “In terms of national appointment we are the ones controlling the seaports here in Lagos but look at the appointment here.
Adefioye affirmed that”How many Yorubas do we have as controllers, how many are Hausa, Fulani and Ibos? And that is for customs,what about NDLEA and others, so we are being marginalised.
“So if there is true restructuring and quota system then I believe things will go down well with us but if it continues the why things are , then its not comfortable at all”,he lamented
While speaking on the forthcoming celebration, the founder stressed that ODFFA is set to host its fifth year anniversary which is scheduled for Thursday, May 27, 2021, at Welcome Event Centre, Airport Road, Oshodi, Lagos.
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Giving the profile of the group, he stated that
“The Oodua Descendant Freight Forwarders Association (ODFFA) is a socio-cultural platform founded five years ago to promote the interest and growth of all Yoruba sons and daughters who practice freight forwarding in the maritime and aviation industry in Nigeria.
” It is also founded to celebrate and reward professional excellence. And since our inception, ODFFA has organized conferences and workshops/seminars to educate and sensitize members and even non-members on their rights and privileges and modern freight forwarding practice.
Speaking further, Adefioye added that the Oodua Freight Forwarders Day is an annual event and is set to host the fifth edition.
The event,he said will be chaired by Senator Iyiola Omisore former deputy governor of the State of Osun and Chief Taiwo Afolabi CEO Sifax Group of company, while Honourable Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, is the Distinguished Guest of Honour.
“ODFFA is to celebrate and reward professional excellence among Yoruba freight forwarders. And to reward non-professionals who have contributed to the growth of the profession and Yoruba development in Nigeria. We want to inform you that no fewer than three non-Yoruba freight forwarders have been given awards.
“Apart from rewarding, the Day provides an opportunity for us as an association to appraise our growth as Yoruba in the freight forwarding profession in Nigeria and look for a way to improve.
“The event is a cultural celebration as a lot of personalities have been shortlisted to receive awards.
“The Guest Speaker of the Day is Fwrd Francis Omotosho, the Registrar of NAGAFF Academy. He will speak on a topic that has to do with Yoruba and their growth in the freight forwarding profession as the day won’t be an award presentation alone,”he explained.
By Roland Ekama
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