Nigeria High Commissioner to South Africa Urges Nigerians to Unite, Use their Potentials to their Advantage

The Nigeria High Commissioner to South Africa, HE Ambassador Temitope Alexander Ajayi, has urged Nigerians to unite, use their potentials to their advantage while referencing the influence of the Jews in American politics.
He highlighted that South Africa is one of the few countries where a critical mass of Nigerian professionals are found in Africa.
He emphasized that the division of Nigerians in South Africa is what is working against us and that ego is a big part of the problem.
The ambassador stressed his dream for Nigerians in South Africa: to see a united Nigerian community.
The Nigeria Deputy Consul General to South Africa, Ambassador Emmanuel Oguntuyi, lauded the event organisers, while highlighting the uniqueness of the Yoruba ethnic group.
He stressed the need for unity amongst Nigerians in South Africa as it makes the work of the Nigerian missions easy when addressing issues concerning Nigerians in South Africa.
The coordinator of the meeting between the Nigerian envoys and Yoruba stakeholders in South Africa, Aare Bodunrin John Odus, explained how the meeting came about, “We talked to many Yoruba people living in South Africa and found over 26 different Yoruba organisations and interest groups.”

He averred that these groups help keep Yoruba culture alive among those living in South Africa, adding that they give the Yoruba people in South Africa a way to connect and provide social support to themselves.

The secretary for the consultative and interactive forum of the Yoruba extraction in South Africa, Hon Akindele Olufemi Olunloyo, noted: “Yoruba people from southwest Nigeria have built a strong community in South Africa.

The statement added that the dynamic group adds rich culture and unique views to South Africa’s diverse mix, “Yoruba folks bring special customs, languages, and art, making South Africa’s culture even more colourful. Their traditions and way of life add to the many different cultures that make up South Africa’s rainbow nation.”

He added, “Yet, for Yorubas in South Africa, fitting in and thriving have become key talking points. This calls for a crucial dialogue between Nigerian Ambassadors to South Africa and the local Yoruba community. These discussions are vital to tackling our problems and building acceptance and togetherness within the larger South African society”.

Olunloyo suggests Nigerian envoys can use diplomatic ties to connect with Yoruba groups and South African officials to address these urgent matters. This can help create a space for talks and teamwork that meets Nigerians’ specific needs. Such a hands-on approach can bring real improvements to people’s lives, helping the wider Nigerian community in South Africa.

The Yoruba people in South Africa held a special event at the Summerview Boutique Hotel and Conference Centre in Bryanston, Johannesburg.

In a statement, it was noted that the gathering, organized by Yoruba extractions across South Africa, served as a platform to officially welcome Nigerian ambassadors and discuss challenges faced by Yorubas in South Africa.

The statement also noted that the forum provided an opportunity for consultation and interaction between the community and the envoys.

The statement remarked that the heads of the two Nigerian missions in South Africa gracefully attended this important community event.

The statement asserted that the Nigerian Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, HE Ambassador Alexander Temitope Ajayi; and the Nigeria Deputy Consul General, HE Ambassador Emmanuel Oguntuyi, were present. Hon. Abbey Oguntuase, the Chief of Staff to Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele CON; the Majority Leader of the Nigerian Senate, was also in attendance.

The statement hinted that the gathering allowed Yorubas to voice their experiences and concerns directly to their home country’s representatives in South Africa.

The statement explained that the focal point of the meeting, titled: “Diplomatic Dialogue: Addressing The Yoruba Community Struggles in South Africa”, was the key issue discussed with the Nigerian Ambassadors.

The Yoruba community, and more broadly, the Nigerian population in South Africa, faces major problems needing immediate action. These issues were identified through extensive talks and meetings with various Yoruba groups across South Africa.

The includes important feedback from respected Yoruba elders and many Yoruba organizations located in different parts of South Africa. Their views and stories have helped pinpoint the main issues affecting the community in South Africa. By listing these problems, we hope to highlight the challenges and dreams of Yoruba people and other Nigerians in South Africa. This can lead to better awareness and teamwork to tackle these difficulties effectively.

Moreover, boosting the Yoruba community’s well-being will not only improve their social and economic status but also strengthen Nigeria-South Africa ties.

The partnership can help build a more open and varied society where different cultures live side by side in harmony. This can contribute to the overall growth and unity of the region.

The Nigerian missions’ open arms and attentive ears in South Africa contributed greatly to the successful hosting of this diplomatic dialogue session. Many key Yoruba figures across South Africa also gave significant support. These included Prof Lekan Ayo-Yusuf, Dr Olusola Irinoye, Otunba Bola Michael Idebi, Hon Elizabeth Bola Ajayi (Iya Yoruba), Hon Adekunle Onibeju, Hon Mathias Sagbo, Hon Olaniyi Thomas, and others.