Benin Republic, Osun partner to promote Yoruba cultural heritage

Osun State Government, on Friday met with delegation of the Republic of Benin to fine-tune areas of partnership, especially on the promotion of Yoruba Cultural heritage

Osun State Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi, disclosed this in Osogbo, while receiving in audience the high powered team led by the Mayor of Porto-Novo, His Excellency, Mr Yankoty Charalemaya, on behalf of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

Areas of bilateral relationship according to Alabi, include Education, Culture, Tourism, Traditional religion and Yoruba Language.

Recall that similiar Memorandum of Understanding was earlier signed between the state and Porto-Novo some years back, which expired in 2019.

The MOU gave birth to what is now known as “Aibaji-Ogbe academy” a cultural institution for learning of Yoruba culture, tradition and Language in partnership with the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where the first set of students graduated on Thursday.

The Deputy Governor, in his address reiterated the commitment of the present administration in the state to constantly promote and preserve the Yoruba Cultural heritage.

He hinted that Government was ready to collaborate with any Yoruba descendants to attain desired feat.

According to him, the future of the Yoruba nation, irrespective of the nature of citizenship lies in the ability to jealously protect the rich Yoruba cultural heritage.

He averred that the Government would stop at nothing to enhance the Yoruba culture and it’s tradition.

Alabi said,” It is my utmost pleasure to welcome you home, on behalf of our Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola , I welcome you to Osun State, the state of all descendants of Oduduwa across the world.

“Though, the menace of colonial subjugation and imperialism has put us under different sovereignties, our ancestral bond will continue to bring us together as sons and daughters of the same progenitor.

“As one of the direct descendants of Oduduwa, we are proud of your commitment and consistence to protect our precious identity, you are indeed a true Omoluabi.

” I also want to commend you for reawakening the cultural heritage of Yoruba race among the younger generation, through your Aibaji Ogbe Academy, to instill in our young ones the significance and uniqueness of our culture , language and values.

“I solely believe that the future of the Yoruba nation irrespective of the variance in our citizenship lies in our ability to protect our rich cultural heritage very jealously.

“For development and growth of our nation, we must collaborate on different fronts, especially in the area of Tourism, Culture Agriculture and traditional religion.

“By it’s position and ancestral status, Ile-ife and by extension, Osun State, should be a destination for pilgrimage for every descendant of Oduduwa around the world.

“I want to assure you of our determination and readiness in Osun State, under the leadership of our amiable Governor to profoundly preserve and forever cherish our cultural affinity.

“I welcome you back home once again, please, feel free to interact with your brothers and sisters and enjoy the serenity and hospitality of our ancestral abode”.

Earlier in his address, the state Commissioner for culture and tourism, Dr Obawale Adebisi, explained that the delegation was in the state to partner with the Government to promote development in education, culture among other sectors.

Speaking through an interpreter, the Mayor of Port -Novo, expressed the readiness of the country to continuously partner the state government towards sustaining the cultural heritage of the race and fast track development in other sectors of the economy.

He called for speed action on the renewal of memorandum of understanding earlier signed by the state of Osun and the country.