Oodua Foundation Visits U.S. Senate
A delegation of the Oodua Foundation has visited the United States (U.S.) Senate in Washington DC to discuss issues affecting Nigeria.
Oodua Foundation is a Yoruba think-tank, with members resident in many countries across the world.
Its headquarters is in the state of Delaware in the U.S.
The visit was on the invitation of the U.S. Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, Senator Chris Coons.
The Foundation’s delegation comprised its Chairman, Prof. Adeniran Adeboye; Patron, Prof. Banji Akintoye; Legal Counsel Ayo Turton and Liaison Officer Wale Adelagunja.
The following issues were discussed:
– The abduction of the Chibok school girls and the wider threats posed by Boko Haram. The delegation thanked the U.S. for its help to Nigeria on the matter and requested that more should be done to rescue the girls and address issues that led to the emergence of Boko Haram.
– The fear in Ekiti and Osun states that the June 21 and August 9 governorship elections might be rigged. The delegation urged the U.S. to use its influence to ensure that the elections are free, fair and peaceful. It said rigging could lead to crisis.
– The need to restructure the Nigerian Federation through, among other measures, substantial devolution of powers, which can be accomplished by the National Conference. It was stressed that Nigeria’s political stability and socio-economic progress depended on this.
Consultations between Oodua Foundation and the U.S. are to continue.
Source: The NATION
