The National President, Supreme Forum of Yoruba Youth, Otunba Oluwafemi Awogboro has called for rejuvenation of Yoruba culture for economic development of the region and Nigeria at large.
He said it is high time Yoruba’s join hands together to harness potentials in their culture to drive economic growth and development of its people, particularly as there is no more leaders of tomorrow but drivers of today’s society.
Speaking in Ibadan at the annual lecture of Supreme Forum of Yoruba Youth held at National Musium theme: “Rejuvenation of Yoruba Culture for Economic Upliftment of the People ( Igbedide Asa Yoruba Fun Eto Oro Aje To Eu Gogo Fun Ara Ilu) “, Awogboro lamented that Yoruba culture has been relegated to the background which has made people in the region to suffered economically as a consequence of the neglect.
According to him, it is time for the people to reclaim their heritage and use it as a springboard for economic progress.
Awogboro said, “We must revive our language, our arts, our crafts, and our traditions, and use them to create jobs, stimulate innovation, and drive economic growth.
“The potential for economic growth through the rejuvenation of Yoruba culture is vast. Our cultural festivals, such as the Oranyan and Sango Festival s in Oyo, Osun Osogbo Festival, Egungun in Ibadan,Ojude Oba in Ijebu and the Eyo Festival in Lagos, Odún Ęlęro in Ijurin Ekiti among others can be developed into major tourist attractions to create jobs for the youths generate revenue and create wealth.
“Our traditional crafts, such as woodcarving, Bead Making, textiles like Adire and Aso Oke, as well as pottery, can be revived and developed into thriving industries. And our language, Yoruba, can be promoted as a major language of commerce, trading and industrialisation to empower the Youths.
“Let me however state emphatically that this is not a task for government and traditional rulers alone. It requires the collective effort of all Yoruba sons and daughters, home and in the diaspora. We must work together to promote our culture, to develop our cultural industries, and to create jobs and economic opportunities for our people. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and our ancestors to ensure that our culture continues to thrive and flourish.
He however said rejuvenation of Yoruba culture is not just a cultural imperative but also an economic necessity.
“Let us work together to revive our culture, promote our cultural industries, and to create jobs and economic opportunities for our people. Together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our beloved Yoruba nation.
Among of those who attended the events were Kabiyesis Saliu Oyemonla Azeez (Sabi of Iganna ) , Kabiyesi Jimoh Olajide (Olu of Igboora) , Kabiyesi Adesina (Olu of Ojenpetu) , Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Ayaba Sulat Adeyemi (Late Alaafin Prominent wife) , Hon Mrs Sanni Abidemi, Ambassador Oyedepo Mattahias, Engr Toyin Ojo ( Chairman Ado Ekiti central LCDA) , Ambassador Romoke Ayinde, Oba Èlà of Oyo state, Otunba Tiamiyu Babatunde , various youth groups across Lenght and breath of Yorubaland and many others
