Abiodun reaffirms commitment to preserving Yoruba cultural heritage

By Lekan Lisoye

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said his administration is passionate about the Yoruba cultural heritage, and as such will do everything possible to preserve it.

Governor Abiodun made this known in Ibadan, at the presentation and launch of the Yoruba World Center, adding that the Yorubas have one of the richest cultural heritages in the world.

Represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun noted that his government has taken several steps to preserve and bring to the forefront, the vast cultural artefacts which is synonymous with Ogun State, such as its Adire fabrics.

He revealed that the State’s workforce is now being encouraged to wear the local Adire fabric on Fridays, as a means to further instill and promote Yoruba culture, as well as improve its socio-economic standing, admonishing sons and daughters of Yorubaland to continually uphold and promote their cultural heritage, to prevent it from going into extinction.

Also speaking, his Ondo State counterpart, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, represented by his deputy, Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa, said projects like the Yoruba World Center should be fully supported, because it is a one-stop-shop where histories would be documented for the generation yet unborn.

On his part, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State also represented by his deputy, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, emphasised the need to promote the Yoruba cultural values, adding that,” we cannot fold our hands and watch our highly respected art and culture to be dragged into the mud”.

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, expressed optimism that the programme would boost and promote Yoruba art and culture, not only in Nigeria, but the world at large.

In his remarks, the publisher, Iwe Iroyin Alaroye, Ogbeni Alao Adedayo, appreciated the Governors for promoting the Yoruba art and culture, adding that the Centre would serve as a teaching and learning environment, as well as storage of relevant art and cultural materials.