SALAKO URGES YEWA LEADERS TO HARNESS HISTORY FOR DEVELOPMENT

  

The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has urged political leaders, traditional institutions, educational institutions and young people in Yewaland to embrace the sub-region's history as a catalyst for sustainable development, unity and visionary leadership.

Salako made the call in Imeko, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, during the public presentation and launch of “Yewaland in Historical Perspective”, a book authored by renowned historian and Emeritus Professor Anthony Ijaola Asiwaju.

Represented by a retired Permanent Secretary in the Ogun State Civil Service, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, Salako described the publication as a landmark contribution to the preservation of Yewaland's heritage. 

He said, “For Yewaland this publication is especially significant. At a time when communities are increasingly rediscovering their roots, documenting their heritage and defining their development aspirations, this book offers an authoritative account of our historical journey, our cultural evolution, our institutions, our struggles, our achievements and our immense potential”.

The Minister said the book documents Yewa people’s historical journey,  struggles and achievements, while serving as a guide for future generations.

"No society can sustainably develop if it neglects its history. Development without identity is fragile, but development founded upon knowledge, values and historical consciousness becomes enduring,” the Minister said.

Salako called on political leaders, policy makers, educational institutions, researchers and the younger generation to study and promote the book, saying it should inspire renewed scholarship, strengthen unity and produce a new generation of visionary leaders.

 

He also urged greater investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, enterprise and technology, stressing that Yewaland's continued growth would depend on unity, purposeful leadership and a shared commitment to the common good.

Speaking on the author of the book, Emeritus  Professor Asiwaju, the Minister described the erudite scholar  as one of Africa's foremost historians whose scholarship has influenced public policy, diplomacy and African historical studies, adding that the publication would become an indispensable reference for historians, students, researchers and policymakers within and beyond Nigeria.

In his address, the author of the book, Emeritus Professor Anthony  Asiwaju, explained that the publication is a revised and expanded version of two of his earlier works, produced to correct misconceptions and provide further historical insights. 

According to him, “any group of people without history suffers collective amnesia and continues to grope in darkness,” stressing that the book was intended to help the Yewa people understand their roots, strengthen their cultural identity, foster unity and provide a roadmap for future development. He urged readers not only to read the book but to study and reflect on its contents.

He expressed appreciation to the eminent personalities who graced the occasion, describing their presence as a demonstration of the value attached to preserving the history and cultural heritage of Yewaland.

Also speaking, the Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Olanite, said the publication would make a significant contribution to preserving the history and culture of Yewaland for future generations. He lauded Professor Asiwaju for his unwavering commitment to documenting the people's heritage, describing the book as a valuable legacy that would promote a deeper appreciation of Yewa history and identity.

The monarch commended the turnout of traditional rulers from across Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, describing their presence as a testament to the shared cultural bonds and historical ties among the Yewa people.