Nigeria's former president and Balogun of Owu, Olusegun Obasanjo, Olowu of Owu-Abeokuta, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo as well as prominent sons and daughters of Yorubaland have stressed the need for preservation of rich heritage of Yorubas' history, cultural values, traditions and language to prevent them from imminent extinction
Obasanjo who was speaking on Tuesday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital as chairman of Annual Global Yorubas'History and Heritage Celebration organized by Foundation For The Preservation Of Yoruba Culture And Heritage, emphasized the importance of documenting history for every tribes in Yoruba land which must be passed to the present and next generation, to enable them appreciate the beauty of their origin, cultural heritage and traditions
Yorubas according to the former president, have the very rich cultural heritage and best of greeting among other ethnic groups in the country, our communal style brings together, making us to care for one of another in the society
"Our naming of a child connects with our history, gives you a true identity as a Yoruba ", he stated
Similarly, Oba Matemilola who was guest speaker at the event, says findings revealed that Yorubas among over 300 ethnic groups in the country, have outstanding cultural heritage and traditions ranging from local fabrics, foods (cuisine), occupation, housing, commerce and industry, women hairstyles, local herbs with high medicinal values for treatment of illnesses in the community
The monarch expressed the need for embracing of traditional marriage rites, so as to reduce the disturbing trend of break up of marriages among couples or breaking homes in the society
The Olowu stressed the need for preserving and packaging of such cultural heritage which according, can be projected and exported to the rest of the world to serve as sources of foreign earnings for Yorubas and Nigeria as a country
Also the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo advocated for speaking of Yoruba language among learners in schools to preserve culture and traditions of the race
The monarch represented by the Apena of Egbaland, Alani Bankole insisted that giving preference to study of Yoruba language would enable learners to understand better and excell in various subjects in school
A member of the foundation, Olori Ameenat Matemilola speaking with newsmen from the sideline of the event , challenged everyone, particularly youths and those with deep understanding of Yoruba language, history, culture and traditions to use internet facilities, by setting up online classes to teach others to appreciate the rich heritage of Yorubas
She added that the several sites and sounds in Yoruba land could also be harnessed for tourism potentials , if every stakeholder resolved to be good ambassadors to project the cultural values and traditions to other parts of world to attract others to this rich heritage
Panelists at the event including Chief Lekan Alani, former Director of the Ogun State Council for Art and Culture, Chief(Mrs) Yemi Olanrewaju, Ms Aralola Sherifat Olamuyiwa , Mr.Adepoju Adejare and Chairman of the State House Committee on Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Segun Kaka called for support of every stakeholder including government, traditional rulers, parents to protect the rich heritage of Yorubas from going into extinction
Convener of the foundation, Mr. Kehinde Somoye identified the various benefits of celebrating the Yoruba Culture to include culture preservation, identity and belonging, cultural exchange and understanding, education and learning, artistic expression, social cohesion, economic opportunities as well as healing and well-being
Somoye who was represented by a another member, Dr. Abdulfattah Durojaiye called on every stakeholder including governors in the six south west states, traditional rulers and leaders in all Yoruba communities worldwide to agree on a common date for the celebration of the annual global event
The event was spiced up with rich displayed of cultural dance by members of the Ogun State Cultural Troupe and Apala music
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