Prioritise national interests, Afenifere, Yoruba socio-cultural group, tells NNPCL

Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, has called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and Independent Oil Marketers to prioritise the national interests and ensure transparency in their operations.

The group, at their meeting held on Tuesday at the Akure residence of its leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and presided over by Seinde Arogbofa, also urged the State and Local Governments to support local farmers with resources and subsidies to increase food availability and boost the local economy.

The communiqué, which was signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Jare Ajayipartly read,”Afenifere is very persistent on the need to ensure that Yoruba language is used more as a medium of communication. The body specifically called on Governments in Yoruba-speaking states to make Yoruba the medium of teaching at elementary levels of our education: kindergarten/nursery, primary and junior secondary schools. Afenifere also urged Legislatures in Yoruba-speaking states to make Yoruba the language of conducting their legislative businesses as much as possible.

“In view of the strategic position that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Plc and Independent Oil Marketers occupy in the oil sector, Afenifere strongly called on them to let the interest of the nation, nay the interest of the people of Nigeria, be uppermost in their minds and actions.

“In view of the high costs of food items in the country, Afenifere urged states and local governments to make things easy for local farmers by providing them with needed resources, even at subsidized rates. This will not only make foodstuffs more available; it will also enhance the council’s finances and boost the local economy.

“Afenifere called on President Bola Tinubu to leverage on his known democratic credential as a federalist by quickening the country’s realization of true federalism as soon as possible.

“The meeting commiserated with Engr. Oluwaseyi Makinde, Oyo State Governor, on the demise of his elder brother, Engineer Sunday Makinde. The meeting prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and strong hearts for those he left behind to bear the loss.

“The meeting concluded by calling on governments at all levels so that the people can enjoy a better lease of life.”