By Babatunde Tiamiyu
Osun State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring programmes and policies aimed at reviving and instilling Yoruba cultural values and traditions in the youths.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke stated this during the unveiling of Arewa Asa Culturetainment Foundation and 35 years retirement ceremony of Mrs Solabomi Akinsola, held at Center for Black Culture and International Understanding,Abere, Osogbo, Osun state.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, Senator Adeleke who noted that Yorubas are endowed with rich cultural values and which must not go into extinction, called on everyone to revive the rich culture.
The governor lauded the celebrant for her contributions to the growth of the state while in service and congratulated her for completing thirty- five years of merritorious service and prayed tonGod to see her through in her future endeavours.
In a speech ,Mrs Solabomi Akinsola, who retired as Director of Culture, Osun State Ministry of Arts and Culture, appreciated God for her successful retirement from service, stressing that Arewa Asa Culturetainment Foundation was conceived to inculcate the rich Yoruba culture in children and adults.
Mrs. Akinsola urged the state Government and well- meaning individuals to support Arewa Asa Culturetainment Foundation with a view to sustaining the cultural values of Yorubaland and to reduce youths restiveness in the society.
Meanwhile, speakers at the event appreciated the the displayed dramas which centered on involvement of parents, teachers, traditional rulers and government in cultural revival, advising that culture can be used as a major tool for socio-economic and political advancement.
They emphasized that cultural values and norms are capable of reversing social vices among Nigerians.
Dignitaries present at the event including the Aragbiji of Iragbiji,Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi, the Alashipa of Ashipa, former Secretary to Osun State government,Prince Wole Oyebamiji, the Obalamo of Ile -Ife, Olufemi Akowe ,Baale of Godofon, Osogbo, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh and Aare Alasa of Osogboland,Aare Ifagbenusola Atanda.
Others are the Araba of Osogboland,Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, immediate past Director General,OSBC,Mr Abdulrasheed Folaranmi, theatre and media practitioners across the country.
Highlights of the event include unveiling of Arewa Asa Culturetainment Foundation by the Deputy Governor,Prince Kola Adewusi, Cultural and Drama display by members of the Arewa Asa Culturetainment foundation and presentation of awards to some individuals for their contributions towards promoting of yoruba culture.
