Yoruba Cultural Alliance USA unveils plans to promote Nigerian culture

By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi

The Yoruba Cultural Alliance (YCA), USA, has introduced its mission and ongoing projects to the Nigerian public

At a press conference held at the Westwood Hotel, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, May 30, 2024, Comrade Gbolahan Ogundimu Odusanya, representing YCA in Nigeria, provided an overview of the organization.

The organization, founded by Honorable Abiodun Akinfenwa and led by Associate Director Sesan Alade, aims to promote and preserve Yoruba culture, language, and traditions worldwide.

Speaking on the organization’s goals, Odusanya stated,

“The Yoruba Cultural Alliance (YCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to unifying people of Yoruba descent and those interested in Yoruba culture. We aim to foster a sense of community and shared identity among Yoruba people globally.”

YCA, established in 2022, has distinct directorates across the six Yoruba-speaking states in Nigeria—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti—which may require separate halls for various activities.

The YCA has secured land in Arlington, Dallas, Texas, to build a Yoruba Heritage Civic Center, which will serve as a hub for the various Yoruba-speaking states.

This project has garnered substantial support from the U.S. government, including an approval of $10 million to fund the center.

However, Odusanya stated that new projects often face challenges in gaining acceptance.

Despite this, the YCA’s programs are benefiting many in America, leading to the creation of Yorubafest. In August, 33 individuals from Nigeria will travel to the U.S. to attend the festival.

The Mayor of Dallas issued a proclamation on October 7, 2023, facilitating the Yorubafest creation, and the African Chamber of Commerce in America has endorsed efforts to expand trade and cultural exchanges.

The YCA enjoys strong backing from notable patrons, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Òràngún of Òkè-Ìlá (Aroyinkeye 1). Both have shown increased interest and support for the Yoruba festival.

Odusanya emphasized the need for greater connectivity to ensure that every person of Yoruba descent feels included, and he reiterated the YCA’s commitment to building relationships and making the initiative widely acceptable.