The Education District II has celebrated Yoruba Culture Day in grand style at the Palace of the Oloworo of Oworo, with dignitaries commending the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Anike Adekanye, for her tireless efforts in preserving the Yoruba cultural heritage.
Themed “Àyájọ́j Àṣà Àti Ìṣe Yorùbá- ìkẹ́kọ̀ọ́ Láàfin Ọba Aláyélúwà” (Essence of Yoruba Tradition and Culture – Learning at the King’s Palace), the event on Wednesday attracted cultural enthusiasts, students, and educators. It was graced by the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Ali-Balogun, and the Oloworo of Oworo Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Saliu (Elebo II).
Mr. Ali-Balogun praised Mrs. Adekanye for her dedication to promoting Yoruba culture, stressing its importance in societal development. “The Chinese and Indians prioritize their languages and have advanced technologically and economically despite limited fluency in English,” he noted. The Commissioner urged teachers and parents to ensure Yoruba language and traditions remain integral to education, adding that cultural preservation safeguards identity.
Oba Babatunde Saliu echoed this sentiment, lamenting that many youths cannot count from one to ten in Yoruba. “This is a wake-up call for all of us,” the monarch stated, as he educated attendees on the history of the Oworo Kingdom. He also expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hazmat, and the Honourable Commissioner for their unwavering support.
Mrs. Anike Adekanye highlighted the event’s purpose: to encourage the teaching and learning of Yoruba culture and language across Lagos State schools. “Let us be proud of our language and culture. We shouldn’t allow anyone to refer to our language as vernacular,” she declared. Reflecting on her journey as a proud Yoruba teacher, she credited her cultural advocacy for her rise to TG/PS in Nigeria’s most vibrant state.
Adekanye revealed that this was the fourth cultural event in Education District II, previously hosted at the palaces of other esteemed Yoruba monarchs. She emphasized the importance of sustaining the region’s cultural legacy to foster unity and progress among the Yoruba people and beyond.
The event showcased a rich tapestry of Yoruba traditions, including cultural attire, music, dance, drumming, traditional games, and cooking competitions. Students presented exhibitions of artefacts, storytelling, and culinary delights, leaving the audience in awe.
Mrs. Adekanye expressed profound gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his approval of the program and lauded the contributions of other key stakeholders, including Deputy Governor Hazmat, Commissioner Ali-Balogun, and the Head of Service, Mr. Shuaheeb Olabode Agoro.
The Yoruba Culture Day stood as a resounding call to action for all stakeholders to ensure that the language and traditions of the Yoruba people are preserved for generations to come.
