The President of Ikale World Congress Mr. Samuel Ademola has expressed the gratitude of IWC to the members of ‘Ikale Citizens Club of Minnesota’(ICC) a chapter of IWC, for their concern and result-oriented focus toward the development of Ikaleland.  The President was speaking when he and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Tunji Ogunmola visited Minneapolis, Minnesota to attend the ICC meeting recently. The President expressed gratitude to members of ICC for the Electric generator that the Chapter donated and installed at the General Hospital Okitipupa. During the meeting on Sunday, November 6, 2011, the President explained the vision of IWC and he reiterated the need for harmonization of efforts in our giving back to Ikaleland. He therefore called for unity of purpose among all Ikale in the Diaspora as we strive to energize development at home. He said the present executive will work to make IWC a role model to all in Ikaleland and that it behooves us to show the light by way of meaningful projects that will have positive impact on all our people. Mr. Ademola also shared with the Ikale people of Minnesota the IWC projects including empowering Ikale youth for self improvement and education, Scholarship program that is currently ongoing and Health Awareness fair to educate people on ways to prevent communicable and preventable diseases.

The president called on all Ikale men and women in North America to step up with ideas that they could pass on to IWC for use to benefit our people at home. “IWC is not an individual’s project, it is our project”, the President asserted. He praised the Minnesota chapter for their family styled relationship, unity, harmony, coherence and result-oriented focus. “We heard of the good things that Minnesota represents from a distance, and today we feel it and we see it”. While he sought the support and feedback from ICC at all times, Mr. Ademola promised to keep Minnesota abreast of all projects and developments at IWC. He implored every Ikale man and woman to emulate Minnesota and rally round with contributions to the development of Ikaleland. During the president’s visit, he also hinted of his interest in having the Minnesota ICC to host the 2012 IWC convention.

In her reply, the President of ICC Mrs. Moji Olafeso thanked the President and IWC for his visit and pledged the support of all Ikale in Minnesota to the vision of IWC. While the chapter has heard a lot about IWC, the members have felt alienated from the activities of the organization until now that the President and Publicity Secretary visited. On the request for Minnesota to host the IWC Convention in the summer of 2012, Mrs. Olafeso stated that ICC will deliberate on the request and that the ICC decision will be communicated to IWC shortly. Also speaking, Dr. Tunde Akinde, Mr. Olumide Omoranmilowo, Mr. Kunle Kuewumi, Mr. Martin Ayelomi, Mr. Akin Babington and Mr. Charles Chiefredo all expressed cooperation and support for IWC and satisfaction for the visit. They agreed that the development of Ikaleland is of paramount importance at this time. Dr. Akinde advocated for a strong bond among all Ikale in North America as in doing so can we guarantee a successful transfer of positive cultural heritage and development to the coming generations. Members of ICC present at the meeting included: Mrs. Moji Olafeso, Mr. Akin Babington, Mr. Kunle Kuewumi, Dr. Tunde Akinde, Mr. Martin Ayelomi, Mr. Olumide Omoranmilowo, Mr. Charles Chiefredo, Mrs. Morenike Akinde, Mr. Stanley Olajide, Mrs. Christiana Sheba, Mr. Obafemi Adetimehin, Mrs. Omoranmilowo, Mrs. Ibiyemi Kuewumi, Mrs. Obi Chiefredo and Mr. Raphael Omodunmiju.

The attention of the Ikale World Congress was drawn to an incident that occurred on Thursday October 13, 2011 in which two lives were lost at Okitipupa, Ondo State consequent upon the discharge of firearm by Policemen on foot patrol and also at a nearby station. According to the report, there was pandemonium at Okitipupa on the said date as an irate mob was mobilized to challenge law enforcement when the killing of an innocent citizen by an inebriated Policeman spiraled out of control.  We sympathize with the families of those who lost their loved ones. Our hearts also go out in sympathy to the hardworking Police officers who work their beats diligently, putting their lives in danger on a daily basis on behalf of our people in Ikaleland. These officers deserve our respect and cooperation at all times.

This unfortunate incident underscored the  need for professionalism in the Nigeria Police evidenced in sound judgment on the part of officers and respect for the sanctity of human lives. We hope that investigation to the crisis will be thorough, fair to all parties with justice seen to have been done. We call on the Nigeria Police at Okitipupa and Irele local governments to work diligently in ridding its ranks of officers with questionable characters in order for the Force to  effectively meet the enormous task of  today's unusual security challenges. The Police must also invest in Community relation efforts in close liaison with the local government councils and our traditional rulers to harness cooperation and feedback from our people on an ongoing basis.

The Ikale World Congress (IWC) is a non profit, non political organization of Ikale men and women based in the United States of America. In addition to preserving our cultural heritage, we seek to unite Ikale in the diasporas for service to Ikaleland within the limited resources at our disposal, promoting respect for law and authority and good neighborliness. We promote and advocate for economic and social development of the Ikale people.

We call on all residents of Ikaleland to join hands with the Nigeria Police in helping to keep the peace and maintaining law and order at all times. In whatever enterprise you find yourself, it is important to remember that no one is above the law and no one has the authority to take the law into his hand.

We commend the efforts of the Nigeria Police and other law enforcement agencies in bringing the recent crisis under control. We also recognize the efforts of the Police in Community Policing of Okitipupa and Irele local governments, ridding these communities of armed robbers, kidnappers and other criminals who pose the real  threat  to the lives and properties of our people. We hope that the recent incident is an isolated case and we therefore urge the Police not to relent in its efforts to protect lives and properties in Ikaleland.  We implore the Police to take every step to assure our people of their safety by ensuring that individuals with impaired judgment are not given the badge of enforcement over defenseless citizens.

Ikale a gbe wa o !

Publicity Secretary, Ikale World Congress.

What have you learned as the executive director of U.A.C.O.?
It is great honor to serve the African Community in this
capacity with all its challenges but with the collaboration of
all the African national organizations, my task as a facilitator
became even more important. Special thanks to the board
of directors, my able staff, and all the African community
leaders who have come to the aid of the organization in
areas of healthcare, Immigration and fi nances. The future
of this organization is bright, and the planning of that is what
preoccupies my Life. Our Children are the future thus, putting
plans together that will see the construction of a multi national
center, and a crisis intervention group is foremost in our
agenda.
Why the Award of Excellence?
Our community is blessed with hard working families and
many heros that have positive impact on humanity. With this background, we were able to come up with
these awards to showcase the extraordinary individuals in our community, and to thank them for their
contribution.
Can you give your background, your experience in community activities, and your role in the United Nations?
I am from Nigeria. I came to the United States 40 years ago, on a United Negro College Fund
Scholarship. I am a medical Doctor, Health advocate, and a community organizer. I served in the United
Nations as a Health consultant from 1995 to 1998. Presently, I am a medical staff at Detroit Health Department
and Wellness promotion. I am also an associate professor of Health science and Nursing at The University
of Phoenix and Wayne county community college, respectively. I am a member of the NAACP and Urban
League. I have served as President of different African organizations, including the Odua organization,
Nigeria Forum for Democracy, Nigerian Foundation and the United African Community Organization
( U.A.C.O.)
Tell us about Africa
Africa is the second largest continent, with about 13% of the world’s population. There are 54 nations with
over 800 million people. Africa is very rich in ancient architecture. It’s believed that Africa is the origin of
humanity. Africa is blessed with abundant natural resources and rich cultures. Arabic is the offi cial language
in 12 countries, English, in 20 countries and French, in 21 countries. We have more than 800 languages and
dialects in Africa, Christianity is dominant in 19 African countries while Islamic beliefs dominates 13 countries,
Issues of common concern are overseen by the African Union (AU) NEPAD, ECOWAS, NEPAD and SDAC
What are the AGOA and Millennium goals?
The millennium goal declaration adopted by a 189 - member panel states at the UN general assembly in
2000, acknowledged information and communication technology as important tools and means to alleviate
poverty, improve the delivery of education and health care; foster accessibility of government services to
everyone. African growth and opportunity act introduced in 2000, has served to boost trade in Africa. AGOA
covered over 6000 products imported, including fruits, textiles, petroleum, energy and many others. In 2009,
duty free from Africa to the US imported under AGOA, were 33.7 billion dollars.

What are the economies of Africa based on?
Africa relies heavily on the export of petroleum and other national resources like, gas, gold, copper which
account for 35% of the GDP. Africa produces 9.6% of the world proven oil reserves, 7.9% of the world’s
natural gas reserves, and 3.9% of the total coal supply of the world. Libya produces 44.3 million barrels of oil
per day, Nigeria 37.2m barrels per day and Angola 13.5m barrels per day. Oil has also been discovered in
Ghana and Senegal.
Agriculture accounts for one-third of the continent’s GDP, manifesting 40% for Africa. African merchandise
exports for 2008, were totalled $567 billion. In 2009, Africa trade defi cit was $30 billion. The United States
export to Africa in 2007 totalled $67 billion. Africa’s main export destinations are: The USA, China, Italy and
France. Africa’s main imports come from China, France, the USA and Germany.
As the founder of U.A.C.O., can you tell us what led to the formation of U.A.C.O?
The idea toward the formation of U.A.C.O. started more than 20 years ago; efforts were made without
success, due to political rancor. This particular pilot process started like a dream on 8 mile and Ryan road
in Detroit. Long before I served as the President of the Nigerian foundation, every July 4th, we African’s
gathered at the Ryan fi eld to celebrate the United States Independence. The Nigerian Foundation of
Michigan organized annual picnics including soccer matches and always invited other Africans from
Ghana, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Congo and Sierra Leone to join in the celebration. On my return from services of
the United Nations, it was apparent that our community needed to unite and do something toward helping
people back in the home land; and respond to the needs of our people here in the United States as well. So
U.A.C.O. was born!. The founding members includes: Dr Sagala, Chief Alex, Dr Sam, Mr.. Poku, Mr.. Aleboua
and late Carol Chea, Ms. Beatrice Mayson, Dr & Mrs Ajiri, Mr.. & Mrs. Alghali, Mr. & Mrs. Aremo and Mr. Toe
What has the U.A.C.O. achieved over the last ten years?
U.A.C.O. is a humanitarian organization. We are a non-profi t and non political organization. We represent
Africa, and the interests of over 75,000 Africans in Michigan. We respond on behalf of the African
community in relief efforts in different countries. We have contributed to relief efforts in the United States
during 911 and Katrina, Haiti, Nigeria, Libya, Congo, Guinea, Ivory Coast and Sudan to mention a few.
U.A.C.O. was instrumental in establishing the African /Caribbean Chambers of commerce
U.A.C.O. has also established programs over the years, including: The Prevention of Substance Abuse;
Assistance in Immigration and Medical referrals; free lunch during the summer; provision of more than 50
summer jobs for the Youth; collaborated with the city of Detroit and the Museum of African America History
to organize the African World Festival; collaborated with Wayne County Community College for passport to
Africa; and also partnered with All African National. Organizations to sponsor the July 4th All African Festival
that attracts more than 8,000 participants annually. U.A.C.O. is governed by a Board of Directors which is
made up of the Presidents of Different African national organizations and the founding members.
Why should people join any organizations and U.A.C.O. imparticular?
Thanks for the question. Life itself is a journey, We as an immigrant society are on that journey. Thus,
joining local, national, professional, academic or social organization could be benefi cial. Apart from the
opportunity of networking, meeting people from the same place, similar ideals, languages, similar interests
could be very rewarding. The journey could be lonely, long, and full of challenges, but the organizations
serve as bedrock of human growth, and demonstrate the interdependence we as humans share together;
and above all, give us the opportunity to collectively give back to our home land and develop a rich
culture for our children here. We could also lay a good foundation for our children to remember their
heritage.
Our role in Diaspora, include addressing the brain drain on the home front, demand good governance;
speak up on behalf of the oppressed people in Africa; establish better trade relations with the American
government and people; and lastly join with our African American brothers and sisters to enhance the role
and identity of black people in a positive light, and join with other ethnic groups to make the world a better
place.

TEXT OF ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE PRESIDENT OF IKALE WORLD CONGRESS: MR.SAMUEL E. ADEMOLA TO THE IKALE, ILAJE AND APOI ASSOCIATION IN DALLAS,TEXAS DURING A COURTESY VISIT ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2011.

The Chairman, Ikale, Ilaje, Apoi Progressive Union of Dallas, members of the executive, ladies and gentlemen. It gives me great honor and pleasure to stand in your midst today as President of the Ikale World Congress, the umbrella organization for all Ikale men and women in North America. We are here today not because we are more committed to Ikaleland than each and every one of you here. It is clear, you have demonstrated a collective commitment to our motherland. I.W.C. is aware and very happy about your effort to deliver health care equipments to our people at home.

I am particularly humbled by your tireless commitment to the preservation of the Ikale cultural heritage and the development of its people to meet the challenges of the modern era and the times to come. I salute the foresight and courage of all those whose effort gave birth to this organization and your belief that through this organization, our unity could be protected and watered. I am proud to tell you that today, sons and daughters of Ikale from the various sections of the land are talking one to another cooperatively and they are eager to contribute to an enduring development in Ikaleland.

Through IWC, a new set of doors for communication and networking have opened to all Ikale sons and daughters. Through this organization we now have a better understanding of who we are as a people, through the privilege and opportunity of travel, we now know more about areas in which our land could be improved upon. As we lay this foundation, the responsibility of building the house to an enviable standard is a collective one. The executive will find it very difficult to achieve the goals of this organization without the contributions and support of each and every one of us. I am therefore here today on behalf of the executives and the Board of Directors to solicit your support; we need your expert ideas, we need your moral and financial support, and we need your prayers.

IWC is a non-profit, non-political organization aimed at promoting the cultural heritage of Ikaleland and in so doing help in the provision of humanitarian assistance whenever the need arose in our mother land. As a measure of humanitarian assistance,  we will encourage educational development of our youths, dialogue with stakeholders on the need for improved healthcare delivery system and also set good example to help our youths in character development. I must hasten to say again that IWC is not a political group, nor is it a government. Our resources are limited as we will rely on the limited contributions from our members and a few donations from outside sources. On behalf of the present executives of IWC, I want to assure you that our tenure will be marked by a deep sense of accountability in the utilization of your scarce resources and authority given to us. We also pledge to carry you along by way of prompt information to you on the inception and execution of projects. We also encourage you to give us your feedback on every step we take in running your organization.

Charity they say begins at home. There will be times when we need to stand by our members here when they go through difficult times such as in a time of bereavement. Our members should rest assured that there are collective shoulders they could lean on. In the same breath, we encourage all Ikale sons and daughters who find themselves in America to be law-abiding and engage in legitimate and productive enterprises. It is incumbent upon all Ikale in America to contribute to the prosperity of this nation and help to defend the freedom that she generously gave to us.  

Lastly, I will like to remind you that there are Ikale men and women in almost every state of this nation. They work hard and support their families. Many do not know about IWC or live close to a chapter of IWC where they could send support to Ikaleland. Let us call, text, or e-mail them with news about IWC and Ikaleland. Encourage them to join existing chapters or start new chapters in their localities. We thank IWC chapters in New York, Philadelphia, Houston, Dallas, Missouri, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Michigan, Minnesota, California, and Atlanta for their contributions to the uplifting of Ikaleland.

Thank you and God bless you all.

Ikale A gbe wa o !

Members of the Abbotsford Falcons got a break from practice this week to welcome members of the BC Lions football club for the annual Punt, Pass and Kick Program.

Lions offensive lineman Jovan Olafioye, as well as members of the Canadian Football League team's community relations staff, were on hand at Rotary Stadium in Abbotsford on Tuesday, as members of the Falcons showed their kicking and passing skills.

The program allows football players from all over the province to participate in punt, pass and kick for an opportunity to compete in the finals at a Lions home game.

Members of the Falcons flag (ages six and seven); atom (ages eight and nine); peewee (ages 10 and 11); and junior bantam (ages 12 and 13) teams all got a chance to take part in Tuesday's event.

This year's winners from Abbotsford include Tyran Duval (atom), Samwel Uko (peewee) and Devin Sidhu in junior bantam.

Those three can choose to compete with others from around the province when the Lions play the Edmonton Eskimos at B.C. Place Stadium on Oct. 29.

"It's a way for the boys to . . . get out there and strut their stuff in front of the Lions," said Falcons president Chel Sanghera.

"I think it gives the boys a little bit of motivation to improve their game and stick with it."

Many of the younger players couldn't help but marvel at the size of Olafioye.

Others were just happy to reach way up and give the sophomore lineman a high-five.

"Just seeing other kids having fun, doing something they love, it's just a blessing," said Olafioye.

Professor Olusegun Felix Ayadi, Interim Associate Dean and J.P. Morgan Chase Professor of Finance, Jesse H. Jones School of Business at Texas Southern University has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to lecture and conduct research at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, during the 2011-2012 academic year according to the United States Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

Professor Ayadi   will work on a major research project on oil and exchange rate variability. He will also teach undergraduate and graduate courses. More importantly, he will be involved in capacity building by serving as thesis supervisor to some junior faculty members who are pursuing graduate degrees in banking and finance.  Professor Ayadi is one of approximately 1,100 U.S. faculty and professionals who will travel abroad through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program in 2011-2012.

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.  The primary source of funding for the Fulbright Program is an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.  Participating governments and host institutions, corporations and foundations in foreign countries and in the United States also provide direct and indirect support. Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields.  The Program operates in over 155 countries worldwide.

Since its establishment in 1946 under legislation introduced by the late U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, the Fulbright Program has given approximately 300,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists, and scientists the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.

Fulbright alumni have achieved distinction in government, science, the arts, business, philanthropy, education, and athletics.  Forty three Fulbright alumni from 11 countries have been awarded the Nobel Prize, and 75 alumni have received Pulitzer Prizes.  Prominent Fulbright alumni include: Muhammad Yunus, Managing Director and Founder, Grameen Bank, and 2006 Nobel Peace Prize recipient; John Atta Mills, President of Ghana; Lee Evans, Olympic Gold Medalist; Ruth Simmons, President, Brown University; Riccardo Giacconi, Physicist and 2002 Nobel Laureate; Amar Gopal Bose, Chairman and Founder, Bose Corporation; Renee Fleming, soprano; Jonathan Franzen, Writer; and Daniel Libeskind, Architect.

For further information about the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, please visit our website at http://fulbright.state.gov or contact James A. Lawrence, Office of Academic Exchange Programs, telephone 202-632-3241 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

I want to use this opportunity to thank all Ikale sons, daughters, friends  and well-wishers in the United States of America and across the world for trusting me with the leadership of Ikale World Congress at the 2011 convention of our organization in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the next two years.

Let me first salute the courage of all those whose effort gave birth to this organization, and kudos also go to the entire Ikale sons, daughters and well-wishers who are spending their valuable time and scarce resources to sustain the growth of this organization.

I.W.C is yet another attempt by amiable indigenes of Ikale to foster unity and promote Ikale cultural heritage; to make life better for ourselves while laying a good and sustainable foundation for the generations to come.

A foundation has been laid, the task of building the house is a collective responsibility. The executive board is preparing a blue print for its two year  tenure which will be made available to all members shortly; we encourage all members to contribute to it promptly. We must harmonize our divergent views and opinions. We must say the truth and stand by it; the truth maybe rejected at first but will stand the test of time.

Let us solicit help from our friends and neighbors, we have the capacity to achieve greatness and with our trust in the Almighty God, we will leave a good legacy for the coming generations.

Thanks and God bless you all.

Long Live Ikaleland!

Long Live Ondo State!

Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria!

In a keenly contested election at the last IWC convention held in Philladephia USA, Samuel Ademola contested against Prince Dokun Faduyile and won with  a wide margin. Samuel Ademola a trained Accountant and a Businessman based in Houston Texas is from Ode-Ajagba in Irele Local Government of Ondo State.  Other executive officers elected include Mr Niyi Dodolewa from Irele as Vice President, he lives in Missouri USA. Prince Dokun Faduyile reelected as Secretary General, Prince Dokun is the second son of Oba Faduyile, the Abodi of Ikale. He is also based in USA and from Ikoya town. Mr Tunji Ogunmola reelected as Publicity Secretary. Mr Ogunmola is from Ilutitun and he is based in Philladephia USA. According to Mr Ademola the rest officers to fill other positions will be announced later.