Aregbesola, Akeredolu Call for Promotion of Culture

By Fidelis David

The immediate past Governor of Osun State and incumbent Minister of Interior, Mr. Raul Aregbesola, and the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), have described culture as one of the main pillars of development and sustenance of communities, stressing that no society could progress in its absence.

Aregbesola and Akeredolu stated this yesterday while delivering keynote addresses at ‘Ìpàtẹ Aṣa’ 2021 (Exhibition of Culture 2021), which was held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

They were among the dignitaries and awardees at the occasion, for their contribution towards promoting Yoruba culture.

Aregbesola who spoke in Yoruba on the Role of Culture in Economic Emancipation said “culture is the identity where common values, attitudes, preferences, knowledge are attributed to the behaviour in a particular social group, and has a positive influence on social development in any given country.”

The Minister said, “If countries like Brazil could know the importance of our culture, then, I see no reason why we should not promote it.”

He commended Akeredolu for sustaining the rich cultural heritage of Yoruba people through his demonstration of unity across the six South-west states.

Akeredolu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Olugbenga Ale, thanked the organisers of the event while noting that identity expressed through culture is a necessity for all human development.

He said: “It creates the fundamental building blocks in our personality and in the ties that link us to communities and nations. Therefore, there is need for us to promote Yoruba culture and protect it from going into extinction.”

The governor charged traditional rulers who are the custodians of culture and traditions in Yoruba land, to do more in the promotion of culture of their people.

The President of the Yoruba Heritage Group, Mr. Segun Adesemoye, said the Ìpàtẹ Aṣa is an event organised by the group, in partnership with the Ondo State Government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Development and it was designed to celebrate the cultural heritage of the Yorùbá people.

The highlights of the event included the exhibition of cultural arts, crafts and traditions of the Yoruba people, a beauty pageant tagged Omidan Àṣà, a lecture, awards presentation and other cultural attractions.