By Akintunde Jacobs, Akure
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Minister of Interior has stressed the importance of the heritage, tradition, and culture, of the various ethnic people living together as a nation saying preservation of culture of all ethnicities is very important for younger generations.
Aregbesola, who emphasised this on Thursday in Akure, the Ondo state capital during the maiden edition of Exhibition of Culture, tagged ‘Ipate Asa’ 2021, said the cultural heritage of Yorubaland has been lost, hence, the organiser of the programme needs to be commended for trying to bring our culture back.
According to Aregbesola, “Culture has been given different meanings, but we need to know that a lot of things are inherent in what we call the culture of a group of people.
“Our way of life, dressing, eating, character, knowledge, and education are part of our culture, it is not just the way we dance or worship our God.”
He, therefore, enjoined Nigerians to ensure that the younger generations are taught their cultural heritage in order to preserve the tradition of the nation.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who also spoke at the event, said the programme was aimed at promoting, showcasing and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the state and the Yoruba race.
Akeredolu explained that the cultural exhibition was implemented by the present administration to renew its effort to reposition and re-energize the Culture and Tourism sector, as encapsulated in the eight point agenda of the present administration.
Segun Adesemoye, the President of the Yoruba Heritage International, lauded the minister for promoting Yoruba culture and traditions.
Adesemoye noted that there is a great and urgent need to preserve and sustain Yoruba culture and traditions.
He said that if care is not taken, foreigners would later be teaching Yoruba people their language and culture.
Adesemoye, therefore, tasked all Yorubas to defend their heritage and norms, saying that Yoruba has rich culture and traditions.