The Odúa Progressive Union (OPU) Kenya, also known as the Yoruba Association of Kenya, marked Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day with a community clean-up exercise along Lenana Road in Nairobi on Thursday, 1 October 2026.
The initiative formed part of the community’s activities to commemorate Nigeria’s independence from British colonial rule on 1 October 1960, while giving back to Kenya, its host country, through environmental conservation and community service.
The clean-up exercise brought together OPU Kenya members, volunteers, friends of the Yoruba community, and local stakeholders in a collective effort to promote environmental responsibility, civic participation, and a cleaner, healthier urban environment.
The initiative was undertaken in collaboration with the Nairobi City County Government’s Department of Environment, alongside local stakeholders and community members, demonstrating the importance of partnerships between community organizations and public institutions in addressing environmental challenges.
Through the exercise, OPU Kenya sought to highlight the importance of community-led initiatives in keeping public spaces clean while strengthening relationships between Nigerian nationals and the wider Kenyan community.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, OPU Kenya emphasized its commitment to working hand in hand with local authorities and residents to support sustainable community development, promote peaceful coexistence, and foster stronger ties between Kenya and Nigeria.
The organization noted that celebrating national milestones in the diaspora provides an opportunity not only to honour cultural identity and national heritage but also to make meaningful contributions to the communities in which members live and work.
The Odúa Progressive Union (OPU) is a global socio-cultural organization that brings together Yoruba people in the diaspora. Through its chapters across the world, including Kenya, the organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting Yoruba culture, language, and heritage, fostering unity among its members, and contributing to the social and economic development of both Kenya and Nigeria.
As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence, OPU Kenya officials and the representative from the Nigeria High Commission have reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to cultural preservation, environmental responsibility, community service, and strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. “We thank the Government of Kenya, Government of Nairobi and everyone who joined us to say Happy independence Nigeria.” Said Chief Mrs Madam Paulina George Otieno- Matron, OPU as the event came to a close.
