TYF(Organisation)

History

Think Yoruba First was established in 2021 in the United States as a non-profit organization aimed at championing the interests of the Yoruba people globally. The organization emerged in response to the need to preserve Yoruba identity and heritage, particularly in the face of perceived marginalization within Nigeria and the broader diaspora. TYF is registered as a charitable organization and focuses on sociocultural and socio-conservative initiatives to promote Yoruba language, history, and cultural values.The organization traces its ideological roots to the Yoruba cultural renaissance and the Yoruba Ronu ("Yoruba Think") movement, which calls for reflection and strategic planning to preserve Yoruba heritage. TYF has also been influenced by historical Yoruba urban kingdoms, known for their advanced economies and artistic traditions, and the cultural significance of Ile-Ife, considered the cradle of Yoruba civilization.

Mission and Objectives

The core mission of Think Yoruba First is to promote and defend the interests of the Yoruba people through charitable, educational, scientific, and cultural activities.

Its objectives include:

Promotion of Yoruba Culture and Traditions: TYF advocates for the conservation of Yoruba identity, language, and ideologies through initiatives like cultural education and language preservation programs.

Community Empowerment: The organization undertakes community projects, such as food bank initiatives and scholarships, to support Yoruba communities in need.

Yoruba Nationalism: TYF emphasizes the pride of the Yoruba as a significant cultural group within the Black race, promoting unity and self-determination without advocating for secession or militancy.

Global Engagement: TYF collaborates with like-minded organizations worldwide to expand its reach and impact, fostering alliances to preserve Yoruba heritage across the diaspora, including in countries like Brazil, Cuba, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Activities and Initiatives

TYF organizes educational programs and campaigns to raise awareness about Yoruba culture, history, and language. These initiatives include workshops, seminars, and online content that teach the principles of Ọmọlúàbí and the historical significance of Yoruba traditions. The organization also supports the celebration of Yoruba Day (September 23–30), an annual event commemorating the end of the Kiriji War, to promote cultural pride and unity among Yoruba people globally.

Cultural Preservation: TYF promotes Yoruba history, language, and artistic traditions, such as woodcarving, sculpting, beadwork, and painting. The organization highlights the historical significance of Yoruba urban kingdoms and their contributions to African civilization, with a particular focus on Ile-Ife as the spiritual and cultural center of the Yoruba people.

Community Projects: The organization has implemented food bank programs and scholarship initiatives to support Yoruba communities, particularly in Nigeria and the diaspora. These efforts aim to address immediate needs while fostering educational opportunities.

Cultural Education and Awareness:

TYF organizes educational programs and campaigns to raise awareness about Yoruba culture, history, and language. These initiatives include workshops, seminars, and online content that teach the principles of Ọmọlúàbí and the historical significance of Yoruba traditions. The organization also supports the celebration of Yoruba Day (September 23–30), an annual event commemorating the end of the Kiriji War, to promote cultural pride and unity among Yoruba people globally.

Publications and Media

TYF maintains an active online presence through platforms like Substack, Medium, YouTube, and Facebook, where it shares content related to Yoruba history, politics, music, language, and culture. The organization also offers e-books on its website, including titles like "Kingdoms of the Yoruba" and "Travels and Explorations in Yorubaland 1854–1858", to educate the public about Yoruba heritage.

Global Outreach

TYF engages with Yoruba diaspora communities in countries such as Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States. The organization highlights the historical presence of Yoruba people in these regions, including their contributions to syncretic religions like Trinidad Orisha and Orisha Vodou in the United States.

Partnerships

Think Yoruba First collaborates with several organizations to advance its mission:

Fatherland Group: A global network of Nigerians focused on understanding and promoting Nigerian history and future development.

DAWN Commission: A technocratic institution dedicated to the sustainable development of Nigeria’s Southwest Region, where the Yoruba are predominantly located.

Afenifere: A Yoruba socio-political organization led by Pa. Reuben Fasoranti, with which TYF collaborates to promote Yoruba interests.

Organizational Structure

Think Yoruba First is composed of professionals and volunteers committed to its sociocultural mission. The organization explicitly states that it is neither a secessionist nor a militant group, focusing instead on cultural advocacy and community development.

Global Impact

With an estimated 80 million Yoruba people worldwide, TYF’s work extends beyond Nigeria to diaspora communities in Brazil, Cuba, the Caribbean, the United States, the United Kingdom, and West African countries like Benin, Togo, and Ghana. The organization has been instrumental in promoting Yoruba cultural identity in these regions, including through the recognition of Yoruba-derived religions like Orisha Vodou and Trinidad Orisha.