Professor Wale Adeniran, the former Deputy Leader of the Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Struggle, has returned to Nigeria after a period of exile.
Prof Adeniran arrived back in the country with Professor Banji Akintoye, his wife, and daughter, who had also been living in the Republic of Benin since May 2021.
Adeniran’s primary objective in returning is to collaborate with like-minded individuals and work towards transforming Yoruba Land into a prosperous region that serves as a beacon of progress in Africa.
In a personally signed statement released in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Adeniran announced the establishment of the Association of Progressive Professionals and Academics (APPA).
According to Adeniran, the organization comprises individuals from academia, medical science, and the business sector who share a common vision for the development of Yoruba Land.
The inaugural meeting of APPA took place at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where they conducted an assessment of the region’s current state of development.
During the meeting, a consensus was reached to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidency an opportunity to rectify the previous government’s shortcomings and address the grievances of the Yoruba people.
In a section of the statement addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adeniran expressed his sincere congratulations on Tinubu’s historic electoral victory as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He commended Tinubu’s extraordinary courage, bravery, tenacity, ingenuity, and political acumen in navigating Nigeria’s complex political landscape.
Adeniran also recalled Tinubu’s past contributions to the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) during the Abacha era, highlighting his resilience and willingness to go into exile for the cause of democratic restoration in Nigeria.
Adeniran further emphasized that “Tinubu’s victory in the February 2023 elections had instilled hope that Nigeria’s situation could be improved.”
The statement acknowledged Tinubu’s inauguration address, which prioritized issues such as security, poverty, employment, electricity, and others.
Adeniran and APPA believed that “Tinubu’s administration would rectify past wrongs and make Nigeria safe and habitable for all citizens once again.”
They particularly appreciated Tinubu’s focus on security as the top priority.
He and APPA declared their unwavering support for Tinubu and expressed confidence in his ability to create a better Nigeria for current and future generations.
Adeniran also took the opportunity to draw President Tinubu’s attention to the deplorable state of the education system in the country.
He highlighted the dire conditions faced by universities and the demoralization of the academic workforce. Adeniran stressed the crucial role of universities in driving national development and urged urgent attention to be given to upgrading facilities, expanding capacity, and investing in the system to restore morale among staff and students.
He also emphasized the importance of attracting Nigerian scholars back to the country and providing opportunities for the youth to thrive, thereby reducing the need for them to seek opportunities abroad.
The statement pledged unwavering support from the association of Progressive Professionals and Academics to President Tinubu’s administration.
They wished him a successful tenure as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, recognizing the magnitude of the tasks ahead.
