Yoruba Heritage and Cultural Association of Victoria Incorporated (YHCAV) is the umbrella association of Yoruba professionals, students, and their families in the state of Victoria, Australia.  YHCAV is officially incorporated with Consumer Affairs Victoria with registration number A0052905K.

It is important to provide brief historical and geographical information about Yoruba people. Historically, Yoruba people originated from Ile-Ife (Ife- Oodaye) and Yoruba mythology has it that Ile-Ife is the origin of life itself and human civilisation. Yoruba oral history recounts Odùduwà to be the Progenitor of the Yoruba and the reigning ancestor of their crowned kings. The significance of old Oyo Empire to the Yoruba people cannot be overemphasised, established in 14th century, and lasted till 19th century, the Oyo Empire grew to become one of the largest West African states encountered by pre-colonial explorers. It rose through the outstanding organisational skills of the Yoruba, wealth gained from trade and its powerful cavalry.

Marcus Garvey in one of his sayings reminds us that “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”. As Yoruba people, we are proud of our unique cultural heritage and committed to preserving our culture for the sake of our children and generations to come after them. The increasing population of Yoruba people from Nigeria and other parts of the world in the state of Victoria, Australia has necessitated our recommitment to the objectives of the YHCA as laid down by the founding members of the association. 

These objectives are:

1. To promote cultural, social, economic, political and welfare of Yoruba  people in a manner that is honourable and dignifying

2. To work with other organisations inside and outside Australia to share ideas and encourage the advancement of the association

3. To promote peace, unity and understanding among members.

We are using this medium to thank existing members for their ongoing commitment to the association  while urging new ones to come on board in the service to our community. Together we shall write the next chapter of our association. Agbajo owo la n fi soya, owo kan kogbe eru d’ori.