Lagos – Mr Yinka Odumakin, spokesman for Afenifere, a Yoruba socio-political organisation, on Friday said the Yoruba ethnic group would speak collectively at the proposed National Conference.
Odumakin said in Lagos on the sideline of the South-West National Dialogue Advisory Committee Meeting that the Yoruba had been expecting such a conference.
“Today, we can see so many ethnic groups, civil society organisations, market women and student leaders, obviously happy with the idea of a National Conference.
“The Yoruba are earnestly looking forward to that National Conference. We are already working on how best to harmonise our collective positions at the conference.
“Let me assure Nigerians that the Yoruba will not speak with discordant voices at that conference,” he said.
Odumakin added that the ethnic group, even when they belong to different socio-political groups, would always “speak with one voice” on issues of national unity, peace and stability.
He lauded the Federal Government’s initiative of proposing a National Conference “where Nigerians could discuss and make contributions to national security and development.”
Odumakin urged the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the media to enlighten Nigerians on the importance of the conference.
“We need to let every Nigerian know what this conference is all about,” he said.
The South-West National Dialogue Advisory Committee Meeting, which held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, was attended by traditional rulers, Yoruba socio-political groups, youth groups and NGOS. (NAN)
