Former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Cambodia, (Dr) Yemi Farounbi, has called on the Yoruba people to reclaim their tradition of leadership, enterprise, education and community development, saying the South-West must rediscover the values that once distinguished the region.
Farounbi made the call while speaking with PrimeStar News Online, challenging Yoruba leaders to examine the region’s current developmental trajectory.
He recalled the South-West’s history of pioneering initiatives in free education, television broadcasting, housing, industrial development and community-based enterprise.
Farounbi questioned what had happened to the entrepreneurial spirit that produced institutions such as WEMA Bank, Agbomagbe Bank and National Bank, as well as the small-scale industries and trades that once provided opportunities for young people.
He asked why the region could no longer replicate the communal effort once used to build schools by creating industries and employment opportunities.
He also expressed concern about the decline of vocational and small-scale enterprises, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work and hairdressing, saying Nigerians now increasingly depend on nationals from other countries for some of these services.
Farounbi equally challenged religious institutions to contribute more directly to economic development by establishing trade centres, workshops, ICT hubs and other ventures capable of creating jobs.
He said the Yoruba people must take responsibility for rebuilding their society rather than abandoning the country.
“If Yoruba gets it right, Nigeria will get it right,” Farounbi said, urging the people to recover the values of leadership and enterprise that he believes characterised the region’s earlier development.
