BRAZILIAN NATIONALIST LAUDS GOVERNOR OYINLOLA OF OSUN STATE

Brazilian Nationalist and elderstatesman, Abdias do Nascimento, has commended the efforts of Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola for making the cultural unity of black people all over the world a priority. Nascimento, a 2004 Nobel Peace Prize nominee, spoke while receiving Governor Oyinlola at his home in Rio de Janeiro. He also stated that black people should see Osogbo, the Osun State capital, as their cultural headquarters. Mr. Nascimento also said that black people should not agonize over their lowly positions but should strive to get education which he described as a liberation agent.

The 96-year old Brazilian elder statesman urged Governor Oyinlola to continue to promote the cultural heritage of the black race stressing that he hoped the Governor's visit to Brazil would help in fostering greater unity and fraternity among black people. He declared his support for the "Conference of Black Nationalities on Slavery" being organized by the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding.

In his response, Governor Oyinlola commended the leadership role of Mr. Nascimento towards the Black Cause and his support for the Centre for Black Culture in Osogbo which is organizing the Conference to show his government's commitment to the heritage of the black race. He expressed happiness that the Brazilian elder Statesman knew the importance of the black race and that the Conference was organized in tune with the observation that the black man needs to reassess his status in the global quest for development.