As part of moves to save Yoruba cultural heritage from going into extinction, the newly appointed Cultural Ambassador for the National Museum in Ile-Ife, and the Agbaakin Olubadan of Ibadan land, Chief Lekan Alabi has called on governments and non-governmental organizations, corporate organizations and well-meaning Nigerians to support the campaign to promote the revival of Yoruba culture and tradition.
He made the call during an interactive session with Freelance Independent Broadcaster Association of Nigeria (FIBAN) at Yemetu, Ibadan.
Chief Lekan Alabi noted that his visit to FIBAN secretariat was in line with the call by Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who appointed him as Cultural Ambassador, National Museum, Ile-Ife to engage government, non-government organizations, corporate organizations and well-meaning individuals to reposition Yoruba culture and tradition.
He submitted that FIBAN as a non-governmental organization has a responsibility and role to play in reviving, protecting, and promoting Yoruba culture and tradition, particularly in the areas of dressing and use of language.
Ambassador Lekan Alabi disclosed that his team is going to embark on various programmes such as workshops, exhibitions and visits with the purpose of sensitizing the general public on why it is imperative to protect Yoruba culture and prevent it from going into extinction.
While listing places the team is likely to visit, Chief Alabi stated that the team will visit schools, state governors and House of Assemblies to seek support in repositioning Yoruba culture by placing emphasis on subjects like History, Civic Education, Art and Culture in schools’ curricula.
In his address, FIBAN’s interim Chairman, Kola Akintayo expressed the readiness of the association to work with Ambassador Lekan Alabi and his team to achieve the aims and objectives of the project. He added that there is need for consensus on the use of language, particularly among Yoruba radio presenters.
Packaged by Kunle Gazali
