Statesman
Independence Era · 1909 – 1987
Chief Obafemi Awolowo
Asiwaju Awon Yoruba
Architect of free education in Nigeria and first Premier of the Western Region — the political conscience of a generation.
UN/ECOSOC Consultative Status · Reg. IT 28744
What We Do
Programs &
Initiatives
Four pillars driving Yoruba advancement — economic empowerment, education, cultural recognition, and youth development.
Program 01
Karo-Ojire
Investments Ltd.
Economic Empowerment Project
A cooperative economy initiative designed for ownership and future employment of participants — enabling sons and daughters of the Yoruba race to break free from the prevalent poverty syndrome.
"We as a people can no longer continue to glorify a developed national paralysis that is driven by waiting for the government or someone else to do something for us. The beauty of cooperative economy is that we can simply move our race forward, doing what we know is best for us."
The project's primary objective is to stimulate a positive mindset through training and development of children and create jobs through self-employment, particularly for widows and disabled individuals who have been neglected in society.
Join Karo-OjireMembership Tiers
◈Silver
N5,000
annual contribution
◉Gold
N10,000
annual contribution
✦Diamond
N15,000
annual contribution
❋Platinum
N20,000
annual contribution
Sources of Finance
- Member registration with annual stipend funds of N2,500 · $10 · £10 per head
- Donations from well-meaning YIF members at home and in the diaspora
- Workshops, seminars, and recognition events
- Yoruba cultural heritage recognition events
Karo-Ojire · In their footsteps
Yoruba icons of cooperative prosperity
From Awolowo's regional economy to Ojaja II's diaspora investment — Karo-Ojire walks a well-trodden Yoruba road.
Royalty
Digital Renaissance · Born 1974
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi
Ooni of Ife
The 51st Ooni — bridging ancient stool and digital era through entrepreneurship, diaspora outreach and youth investment.
Music
Post-Independence · 1938 – 1997
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti
Abami Eda
Architect of Afrobeat — the saxophonist-prophet whose music turned the Yoruba groove into the global vocabulary of resistance.
Program 02
YIF Scholarship
2024–2025 Batch
Several students who are Yoruba indigenes now stand the chance of winning top-slot scholarships in premium universities both home and abroad — with a registration fee of just N5,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- ✓Must be of Yoruba heritage
- ✓Demonstrated academic merit
- ✓Evidence of financial need
- ✓Enrolled or accepted at an accredited institution
- ✓Registration fee: N5,000 (non-refundable)
How It Works
01
Register
Create your applicant profile and pay the N5,000 registration fee.
02
Apply
Complete the multi-step application form including academic history and essays.
03
Review
The scholarship committee reviews all applications for eligibility and merit.
04
Award
Selected scholars are notified and scholarships disbursed to their institutions.
Registration Fee
N5,000
One-time, non-refundable application fee
Scholarship · In their footsteps
The educators who built our schools
Free education was a Yoruba export long before it was a global ideal. Our scholars stand on this lineage.
Statesman
Independence Era · 1909 – 1987
Chief Obafemi Awolowo
Asiwaju Awon Yoruba
Architect of free education in Nigeria and first Premier of the Western Region — the political conscience of a generation.
Activist
Colonial Resistance · 1900 – 1978
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
Iyalode of the Yorubas
The Lioness of Lisabi — organizer of the Abeokuta Women's Union and the first Nigerian woman to drive a car.
Governance
Second Republic · 1908 – 1997
Chief Adekunle Ajasin
Educator-turned-governor whose name remains shorthand for integrity in Nigerian public life.
Program 03
Events &
Awards Ceremony
Once a year, an illustrious son or daughter of the Yoruba nation is honoured with an award and a staff of distinction in the Order of Odua — celebrating great and selfless Yoruba leaders who fought vigorously for Yoruba emancipation.
The awards program celebrates Yoruba leaders and community members who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the Yoruba people at home and in the diaspora.
View Upcoming Events🏆
Order of Odua
The highest recognition bestowed on exemplary sons and daughters of the Yoruba race.
🎖
Staff of Distinction
A symbolic staff presented to recipients representing leadership and cultural heritage.
🌍
Annual Ceremony
A grand annual event uniting Yoruba leaders, members, and diaspora from across the world.
📅
Cultural Events
Workshops, conferences, and cultural gatherings throughout the year.
Awards · In their footsteps
Honouring those who honour Yorubaland
The Order of Odua continues a tradition of recognition stretching from the palace at Ife to the global stage.
Activist
Colonial Resistance · 1900 – 1978
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
Iyalode of the Yorubas
The Lioness of Lisabi — organizer of the Abeokuta Women's Union and the first Nigerian woman to drive a car.
Royalty
Cultural Revival · 1930 – 2015
Oba Okunade Sijuwade
Ooni of Ife
The 50th Ooni of Ife — a global ambassador who carried the Yoruba spiritual office onto the world stage.
Royalty
Modern Monarchy · 1938 – 2022
Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III
Alaafin of Oyo
The 45th Alaafin — fifty-two years on the throne of Oyo and a relentless voice for Yoruba unity.
Program 04
Youth Development
& Empowerment
Youth development and empowerment initiatives targeting young Yorubas in the diaspora and homeland — building the next generation of Yoruba leaders, innovators, and cultural ambassadors.
OA
Ogundare Adenike
Youth Coordinator
OF
Mr. Oluwatosin Famori
Director IT & Youth Affairs
Program Focus Areas
Leadership Development
Training workshops and mentorship for emerging Yoruba leaders.
Cultural Heritage
Immersive programs teaching Yoruba language, history, and traditions.
Economic Empowerment
Skills training and entrepreneurship support for young members.
Diaspora Connection
Bridging young Yorubas at home and abroad through digital platforms.
Scholarship Pathways
Guiding eligible youth through the YIF scholarship application process.
Youth · In their footsteps
Mentors for the next generation
Every Yoruba youth today inherits the courage of activists, the rigor of scholars, and the vision of monarchs.
Royalty
Modern Monarchy · 1938 – 2022
Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III
Alaafin of Oyo
The 45th Alaafin — fifty-two years on the throne of Oyo and a relentless voice for Yoruba unity.
Royalty
Digital Renaissance · Born 1974
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi
Ooni of Ife
The 51st Ooni — bridging ancient stool and digital era through entrepreneurship, diaspora outreach and youth investment.
Music
Post-Independence · 1938 – 1997
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti
Abami Eda
Architect of Afrobeat — the saxophonist-prophet whose music turned the Yoruba groove into the global vocabulary of resistance.