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PREAMBLE The name Ekiti Parapo is synonymous with the coming together of all Ekiti communities against the Ibadan imperial army during the intercinery wars that ravaged Yorubaland in the 18th century. More importantly, Ekiti got it’s name from the peculiar nature of the rugged hills and valleys – "Okiti" that dot the entire surface of Ekitiland from Efon Alaaye and Okemesi Ekiti on the western boundaries to Ikere Ekiti in the southern part of Ekiti. The Ekitis are culturally homogenous and they speak a dialect of Yoruba language known as Ekiti. However, slight differences are noticeable in the language spoken by the people because of their spatial locations. This is more pronounced among the border communities to other states. For example, the people of Otun (Moba land) speak a dialect close to the one spoken by the Igbominas in Kwara State. The people of Oke Ako, Irele and Omuo Oke speak a dialect similar to that of Ijumus in Kogi State. In the same vein, the Aramoko, Efon Alaaye and Okemesi communities speak a similar dialect to that of Ijeshas of Osun State. Inspite of these variations, a peculiar linguistic feature of the Ekiti dialect is that, wherever your part of Ekiti is, you will understand well, when the other Ekiti man/woman speaks. Apart from this, Ekiti State is the only state in Nigeria with a warm spring. It is also the watershed and source of some prominent rivers such as Ero, Ose, Ogbese and others. Above all, Ekiti people are hard working, upright, studious and very articulate. These qualities and the commitment to promote the unity and culture of Ekiti land influenced the founding of Ekiti Parapo Association, New York on the 3rd of February 1989 as a socio-cultural, non - political and not-for-profit but a philanthropic organization.
OUR MISSION: Ekiti
Parapo Association, New York was formed in February 1989 as a
philanthropic, socio-cultural but not-for-profit and non-political
organization. Membership of the Association is open to Ekiti indigenes
and their spouses who believe in the aims and objectives of the
Association. The Association is also funded through members’ voluntary
contributions and fund- raising programs. Ekiti Parapo Association’s
mission as conceived by its’ founding fathers include: 1)
To foster unity among Ekiti sons and daughters residing in New
York and all over the world. 2)
To initiate and promote development activities in Ekiti State
through members generous and voluntary contributions and by soliciting
for donations from the general public. 3)
To educate and raise awareness of our people whenever necessary. 4)
To give assistance and to bestow respect to one another,
believing we are all equal. 5)
To contribute our quota to the development of New York in
particular and United States in general by donating and contributing to
the various activities organized by other not-for-profit organizations
from which the general public benefits. 6)
To review and form opinion on all socio-economic and political
activities in Ekiti State in particular and Nigeria as a whole. 7)
To cooperate with other socio-cultural and political
organizations interested in the development and advancement of Nigeria. Useful Links U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives Sources of U.S. Goverment Information Major Resources
A major link to Nigerian Goverment and business contacts! General News New York Daily News New York Post Newspaper
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Ekiti
Parapo Association of New York
