NAU Yoruba Staff Mark 2025 Cultural Day With Renewed Call for Unity, Love, Identity

The atmosphere at the 2025 NAU Yoruba Staff Cultural Day was rich with colour, music and nostalgia,yet beneath the display of food, dance and tradition, one message rose above all others,only love and unity can keep the community strong, especially far from home.

That message came from the traditional ruler of the Yoruba Community in Awka, Oba Abdulrazak Olahan, who, though absent, addressed the gathering through his representative, Mr. Joshua Oluobafemi.

His words carried both reminder and plea.

“Kabiyesi is happy with you,” Oluobafemi began, noting the monarch’s absence due to a trip to Ile-Ife.
“Remember , we are sojourners here. Work hard. Stay united. Forgive one another. Raise your children to love our culture, to speak our language and to carry our values with pride.”he said.

He urged parents to devote more attention to their children, stressing the need to raise a generation that will become the pride of the community.

He also cautioned against behaviours that tarnish personal and communal reputation, advising members to uphold dignity and workplace ethics.

The call for unity and moral uprightness continued as elder members reflected on their early years in Anambra.
Alhaji Ademola Okeleye, speaking with the weight of long experience, warned staff against cutting corners or engaging in unethical practices.

“Three of us arrived here between 1999 and 2000 — and we did not soil our hands,”
“Let us shun admission racketeering, sex-for-marks and all forms of corruption. We are growing in number; let our integrity grow with us.”he said.

Echoing him, Alhaji Kehinde Alade reminded the gathering that their shared roots in Oduduwa bind them more deeply than geographical differences ever could.

“We are known for respect, hard work and honesty. Let us teach our children the same values.” he stated.

The Chairman of the Yoruba Community in Awka, Mr. Idris Agbaje, expressed concern about rising insecurity across the country.

He urged members to remain vigilant and avoid social vices that could bring shame upon the community.
“Bad habits corrupt good character,” he warned.

One of the respected voices in the association, Mr. Shitu Owolabi, praised past and present leaders for sustaining unity over the years despite leadership pressures.

“Leadership is sacrifice. Our leaders need support, not criticism,”  “Let’s work with them so they can succeed.”he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, President of the Association of Yoruba Staff, NAU, Dr. Olusegun Adeniyi, expressed appreciation to the new Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, whom he described as receptive and open to the Yoruba community.

He also acknowledged the royal father, past executives and members who have kept the association vibrant.
“Today is a day of reunion and forgiveness,”
“Whatever differences exist, let us set them aside and move forward together. We come from many towns and states, but we are one people.”he declared.

Dr. Adeniyi pledged transparent and accountable leadership, assuring members that integrity will anchor his administration.
“Tomorrow is pregnant,” “We will not disappoint.”he said.