I have been a member of a good number of associations that seek to promote the interests of Ogu. In many of those efforts, I have come to realize the huge potential that the Ogu have as a people committed to the growth, development, and progress of every space they occupy. In spite of such commitment, however, they have had to struggle time and again, in most cases more than their neighbours, because of the minority status that political geographies have imposed on them, especially in Lagos and Ogun States of Nigeria. While we will continue to advocate a more inclusive consideration of our interest in those kinds of structures, we will also forge a unity—through this Assembly—to see to the welfare of the Ogu generally.

In terms of structure, we have wings and standing committees, coordinated by the Steering Committee, for specific tasks. We are working on setting up a Women’s Wing, a Youth Wing, and an Elders Council, which will play an advisory role on critical issues affecting the Ogu. We do not envision this assembly as an enclave of individual stars or superstars. It is rather an umbrella body that seeks to institute a culture of collective care for the good of all. It is for this purpose that we have adopted the nuzon (participatory action) model in our activities, allowing all Gunuvi to have a hand in their own affairs and play a useful role in attaining the future we look forward to. We know it's not easy to organize a group, especially for a disadvantaged minority ethnic nationality. However, we are determined to bequeath to generations of Ogu sons and daughters a legacy organization of which they will always be proud. We need to reclaim what has been delegitimised and distorted in our history and culture. We must be united and forward-looking. As a socio-cultural group, OGA will focus more on how to improve the lot of the Ogu through investment in education and consciously chosen enlightenment programmes to improve the conditions of our people.

Our main strategy is to use a social action approach to seek solutions to some of the major challenges that confront us. This, therefore, is a call to action and a charge to all Gunuvi to come along with us as we create a new narrative about the Ogu that seeks to bury the deployment of gratuitous mockery and weaponisation of outrage that have been part of the strategies of hegemonic forces around us for undue ethnic advantage. To our neighbours, I wish to advocate that we should all see multiculturalism as an asset and work together in unity for a healthy competition that will bring more development to this area so we can all have a good place to call home. In our resolve, we seek to rise above the artificiality of national and international boundaries for greater progress. As a pan-Ogu sociocultural organization, we are prepared to work with similar groups across Nigeria and globally for peace, progress, and the development of humanity. We shall continue to reflect on our collective identity, common challenges, prospects, and opportunities as a people, and make suggestions for the way forward to a better future. On this, let’s not slumber.

Ayi ko hon. Mi jepo!