Foundation Unveils Cultural Hub To Prevent Extinction Of Yoruba Culture

…..Names The Foundation After Late Iyalode Of Osogboland, Husband

The Ben-Ber Foundation, on Wednesday, unveiled a cultural hub in Osogbo, Osun State capital for the prevention of Yoruba language and and preservation of her culture.

CityMirrorNews reports that Ben-Bar Foundation is named after Deacon Benjamin Adeyemi Kolade-Jan and his wife, the late Iyalode of Osogboland, Chief (Mrs) Bernice Alake Kolade.

The head of late Kolade’s children, Mrs Funmi Aderonke Abokede explained that the Ben-Ber foundation cultural hub is a centre that will promote culture and arts.

She said the idea behind the hub is to ensure that Yoruba language doesn’t go into extinction and that the main objective of the cultural hub is to promote children’s education and the Yoruba culture.

She said “Ben-ber foundation cultural hub will provide training on economic viable vocations that will promote Yoruba culture in terms of weaving of Aso oke, Adire making etc.

“The foundation has a special focus on children with disabilities which complements the efforts of the State Government of Osun in building inclusive society and giving voice to the voiceless. The foundation’s focus is on their capabilities and not on their disabilities.”

“This cultural hub will also enhance better learning, intellectual capability, skill acquisition that will ensure self-reliance and improvement in standard of living.

Speaking, the Deputy Governor of the state, Benedict Alabi expressed delight at the flag off of the cultural hub.

The deputy Governor, represented by one Mrs Giwa Latifat Abiodun said she was happy to be a part of the inauguration of Ben-Ber foundation cultural hub.

Alabi said the cultural hub would promote socio-cultural development.

Also speaking, the PTA chairman of school for children with special needs, Chief Onifade, APC chairman of Osun State, Prince Adegboyega Famodun, Mumini Adekunle, Special adviser to the governor on Rural Affairs with other dignitaries were present at the event.
Cultural performance and recitations were executed by children with disabilities to further buttress the point that focus should be on their capabilities and not on their disabilities.

Dignitaries at the event includes; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon Obawale Adebisi; Special Adviser to the Osun Governor on Rural Development and Community Affairs, Hon Mumeen Adekunle; Former State Assembly Deputy Speaker, Barr Akintunde Adegboye; APC State Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun; Hon Adenibi, Commissioner for Rural Development and Community Affairs; Architect Muyiwa Ige, former Commissioner for Local Government.

Others are, Chief Onifade Ifasola, PTA Chairman of School for Children with Special Needs; Mrs Adejumoke Ajibola, Director of National Library; Mrs Kolawole, Director of State Library; Hon Mulikat Abiola, Ifelodun State Constituency amongst others.