Ilorin, Nov. 7, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Ifayemi Elebuibon, a Nigerian visiting Professor of Ifa Mythology to Chicago University, United States, has admonished Nigerian traditional rulers not to allow western influences to override the indigenous cultural heritage.
Elebuibon made the call on Thursday in Ilorin during the Maiden Symposium on Cultural Renaissance organised by the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts of the University of Ilorin.
The theme of the programme is “Reviving The Heart of Africa: A Call for Cultural Renaissance”.
He lamented that most traditional rulers, who were supposed to be custodians of culture, allowed western influence to overide them by promoting foreign cultures.
According to him, some traditional rulers, particularly in South Western Nigeria, are agents of foreign culture.
Elebuibon, who is also the Araba Awo of Osogboland, said the symposium was happening at a time when South Western Nigeria was at cross roads.
“Urgent steps must be taken to reverse the trend to save our cultural heritage from extinction, for the current generation and those yet unborn.
“Let us speak our langauage, let us eat our food, let us wear our garments. It is what God has given us”, he said.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole emphasised on the need to identify with our culture.
“As a people, we should think and breathe within the context of our culture to achieve development. The Chinese design their education curriculum within the context of their culture.
“Policy makers at various levels should borrow from China’s cultural model of growing her economy by developing Nigeria’s economy within the context of the cuture,” he said.
He charged the centre to strive towards getting United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recognition to be able to achieve the purposes for which it was established.
Earlier, Prof Raymond Ogunade, the Director, Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts of the University of Ilorin, commended Egbewole for establishing the centre.
According to him, the centre has developed 162 new courses at Certificate, Diploma, Post-Graduate Diploma, Masters and Ph.D. level.
Ogunade observed that the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance, adopted by the African Union, called for action to rejuvenate the African culture and heritage.
“It emphasises the importance of preserving our identities, values and languages, which is a vital step towards our continent’s sustainable development.
“The centre will serve as a nurturing ground for Africa’s creative talents, a sanctuary where stories are told, traditions are celebrated and pressing societal issues are confronted through art,” he said. (NAN)
