Our Journey: Building a Legacy of Unity
The Beginning (2006)
Nineteen years ago, a group of visionary Egba descendants in the Greater Toronto Area recognized the need for a unified organization that would preserve their cultural heritage while supporting each other in their new Canadian home. In 2006, the Olumo Progressive Association Canada Inc. was born.
Named after the legendary Olumo Rock in Abeokuta – a symbol of strength, protection, and unity for the Egba people – OPAC was established as a registered not-for-profit corporation under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporation Act in the Province of Ontario.
Our Foundation
Our founders understood that maintaining strong cultural ties while integrating into Canadian society required organization, commitment, and collective effort. They laid the groundwork for an association that would serve multiple generations of Egba descendants, creating a constitution that balanced tradition with modern governance.
Part of a Larger Movement
OPAC was established as a chapter of the Egba National Association of North America, connecting us to a network of Egba associations across the United States and Canada. This affiliation strengthens our voice and expands our impact, while the parent organization, founded in 1999, provides coordination and support for collective initiatives benefiting Egbaland.
Through this network, we participate in biennial conventions, scholarship programs, and collaborative projects that impact thousands of Egba descendants and support development initiatives in Nigeria.
Our Growth and Evolution
Over the past nineteen years, OPAC has evolved from a small group of dedicated individuals to a robust organization with an active membership base throughout the Greater Toronto Area. We have weathered challenges, celebrated countless successes, and remained steadfast in our commitment to our founding principles.
Key Milestones:
● 2006: Official incorporation and establishment of founding constitution
● Early years: Building membership base and establishing regular meeting schedules
● Mid-period: Implementation of scholarship programs and member benefit structures
● Recent years: Expansion of community projects and enhanced governance structures
● 2024: Constitutional review and modernization to meet evolving community needs
Cultural Heritage
We take pride in preserving the Egba cultural anthem “Lori Oke Ati Petele” by late Rev. I.O. Ransome-Kuti, singing it at our gatherings as a reminder of our roots. Our motto, “United We Stand,” reflects the spirit that has sustained our people through centuries and continues to guide us today.
Building Bridges
OPAC serves as a vital bridge between generations, connecting Canadian-born children of Egba descent with their ancestral heritage, while also linking our community in the diaspora with development needs in Egbaland. Through remittances, project funding, and knowledge transfer, we contribute meaningfully to the progress of our ancestral homeland.
Looking Forward
As we continue our journey, OPAC remains committed to adapting to the changing needs of our community while staying true to our core values. We are building a legacy that will benefit not just our current members, but generations of Egba descendants yet to come.
Our history is not just about where we’ve been – it’s about the foundation we’re building for a
future where Egba culture thrives in Canada, and where our contributions continue to make a
positive impact both here and in Nigeria.