Osun First Lady Calls For Protection, Promotion Of Yoruba Cultural Heritage

The wife of Osun State Governror, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola has called for intensified efforts among stakeholders to revive Yoruba culture and tradition, to save it from going into extinction.

According to the President,IleriOluwa Development Initiative there was the need for citizens of the state and Nigeria at large to gear up in promoting the diverse cultural values which nature has endowed Yoruba race with.

She posited that doing so will not allow the norms and inherent benefits to go into extinction.

Mrs Oyetola stated this in Iragbiji where she performed the inauguration of Abeni Visual and performing Arts Institute (AVPAI)).

Mrs Oyetola who described culture as a totality of a way of life which should be strictly uphold by both the young and old noted that since various countries of the world are promoting their cultural heritage , Osun and Nigeria as a whole should not be found wanting in this regard.

Mrs Oyetola maintained that it is now time for all hands to be on deck in promoting our own cultural values.

She particularly urged the present generation of nursing mothers to see it as a priority to train their children in line with the culture and traditions of Yoruba particularly in the area of dressing, spoken language,greetings, respect and food among other value laden cultural niceties which abound.

OSUN first lady who was accompanied by the wife of secretary to the State government Mrs Bose Oyebanmiji, wife of the APC chairman, Mrs Olubunmi Famodun and that of the Head of Service ,Mrs Kikelomo Oyebade identified with and congratulated the Eesa of Iragbiji Chief Muraina Oyelami for his great vision in establishing such a great institute for the promotion of Yoruba cultural heritage and values .

Known Yoruba Cultural icons such as Araba Awo of Osogbo land Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon , Chief Alabi Ogundepo and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi while speaking at the event commended Chief Oyelami for his entrenched interest over the years in the culture and tradition of the Yoruba race.

Speaking , the Eesa of Iragbiji Chief Muraina Oyelami said the “Oyelami Dance Institute” was established for the effective promotion of Yoruba culture and traditions not only in Osun but all over Nigeria and beyond.

Mrs Kafayat Oyetola and her entourage as well as other dignitaries were later treated to different cultural performances by the trainees of the Institute . This was followed by a guided tour also of the Institute where Mrs Oyetola was shown various Yoruba artefacts.