President Obasanjo at the white house with President Clinton President Olusegun Obasanjo, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was in Washington D.C. as part of his five days official visit to the United States. On the night of his arrival, a reception was held in his honor at the Capitol Hilton Hotel by the Nigerian Embassy. In attendance were key cabinet members, advisors and state governors. Also present were Nigerians in the Washington area including the Alliance of Yoruba organization and clubs and people from other various neighboring states. The President and his delegates were welcomed by the charge de Affairs Mr. Johnson Ogunyemi. The atmosphere was lightened with music played by Ajomale and his band with the talking drum praising the president saying, “Baba ni baba nje, won ba takiti ki won fori sole, baba ni baba ni baba nje” after which he was called to the podium to address the Nigerian community and guests. President Obasanjo presented his administration’s programs and achievements with clarity, and gave the audience an idea of where his government is taking Nigeria in the new millenium. He stated that his administration believes that to move forward as a nation, we must have the public sector and private sector working together. He promised to tackle corruption head-on without regard to whose horse is gored. He pleaded to Nigerians that are involved in fraudulent activities to stop and use their God-given talents to help in creating positive image for Nigeria. The president further promised that the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) would be in a position to supply electricity without interruption in one year. He encouraged Nigerians overseas to come home and participate in nation building. The next day, President Obasanjo met with President Clinton for a bilateral talk on how to entrench democracy and to discuss economic issues favorable to both countries. At the conclusion of their meeting, they jointly held a press conference where President Clinton promised his Nigerian counterpart his support toward ensuring the success of his administration in combating crime, corruption, and recovery of the monies looted from the Nigerian treasury. Further, President Clinton promised to help in the renegotiations of the terms of Nigerian mounting foreign debt worth $31 billion dollars with its creditors. Finally, he informed President Obasanjo of his intention to quadruple U.S. aid to Nigeria in his 1999 budget proposal to the United States congress. President Olusegun Obasanjo thanked President William Jefferson Clinton and the good people of the United States of America for their support towards democracy in Nigeria. He promised to continue his present reform to rid Nigeria of corruption, reduce crime, and create a conducive environment for foreign investments to come about in Nigeria. |
YORUBA FESTIVAL 1999 A day rich in
culture and tradition The Yoruba Festival, a yearly ritual for Yoruba families around the USA and Canada, is bigger than ever. The event took place at the Banneker Field, across from Howard University main campus. Many Yoruba associations, from as far away as Georgia and Houston, were represented. The Yoruba communities in Canada were also represented and recognized during the festival. This year’s festival was fantastic and well attended. |
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There were many corporate sponsors, including Yoruba businesses. Prominent among these sponsors were Prudential Insurance and Financial Services, Western Union, and Howard University Hospital. These three corporate sponsors were presented with community awards by the Yoruba Alliance for their generous contributions toward the festival, and for supporting the Nigerian community. Many of the corporate sponsors gave out freebies and flyers to promote their businesses. They were under their own tents, and some brought computers for demonstration purposes. | |
| The day was filled
with activities - while the DJ entertained the children on one side with
modern music from America, the Caribbean, and Africa, Nigerian musicians
like Lagos Fuji, Sanmie Agagu, and Foli Peperempe were doing their thing
on the main stage. As Sanmi
Agagu was in the middle of his performance, the Eyo, arrived and
everyone rushed to greet them. The
Yoruba Youth cultural dancers emerged with their leader, Mrs. Shominure
along with some of the dancers’ parents.
The dancers were beautifully dressed in dark green and white with
red Aso Oke, beads around their necks, shoulders and ankles, and they
carried the irukere (horsetail). Mrs. Shominure was beautifully dressed in orange Aso Oke and
she wore beads and carried the irukere.
People were so impressed with the children’s performance - the
dancing and singing in Yoruba, that they sprayed them with money.
What is even most impressive about the children’s performance
is the fact that these kids were all born here in America.
While some people took pictures and video taped the dancers, some
danced and sang along with the kids.
It was a great performance by the kids.
As they were about to finish their performance, the Agere
arrived, astonishing some of the children.
The Ewi Master, Dr. Mobolaji Adio was also there to recite poetry
- poetry that scolded, advised, encouraged, and incited pride in the
Yoruba. A young Yoruba girl
from New Jersey, Ms. Diane Olohitare Titilayo, also dedicated an
inspiring poem to the Yoruba Alliance.
Many Yoruba caterers were present to give people a taste of the Yoruba foods. The activities continued until it was dark and were only shortened by rain. View are some of the pictures from the festival. |
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