COMMISSIONER, OBA OLOWORO, PRAISE ANIKE ADEKANYE FOR PROMOTING YORUBA CULTURE
The Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Tolani Ali-Balogun and the Oloworo of Oworo Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Saliu (Elebo II), has commended the Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District II, Mrs Anike Adekanye hasbbeen applauded for her unprecedented role in promoting the Cultural heritage of Yoruba.
The Commendation was made during the celebration of the Yoruba Cultural Day themed ‘Ayajo Asa Ati Ise Yoruba -Ikeko Laafin Oba Alayeluwa’ which took place at the Palace of the Oba of Oworo on Wednesday 27th, November, 2024.
While commending Mrs Adekanye, the Commissioner expressed delight at the level of commitment she displayed in upholding the Yoruba cultural identity noting that for any society to develope, the cultural heritage and language of the people must be well preserved.
The Commissioner charged Lagos State Teachers to uphold the Yoruba language and culture as an integral part of the curriculum, being the only way the identity of the people can be preserved.
”The Chinese and the Indians were able to develop rapidly because they gave priority to their languages. they do not understand the English Language as we do. yet, they made a lot of progress technologically and economically”, he stressed.
While urging parents and teachers to make sure not to allow the identity of the Yoruba people be eroded by foreign culture and language, he gave kudos to teachers and students for their cultural displays which added glamour to the occasion.
Speaking, the Oloworo of Oworo, Oba Babatunde Saliu appreciated the Tutor General/Permanent Secretary for coming up with the laudable idea which he said will go along way in preserving the language and culture of the Yoruba people, mostly among the Youths.
“A lot of our children can barely count from one to ten in Yoruba language, all they are good at is speaking English fluently. This is a wake up call for every one of us”.
He went further to show gratitude to the State governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu, His Deputy, Dr Kadiri Hazmat and the Honourable Commissioner for supporting the program.
The Oba assumed the role of the teacher by giving the history of the founders of Oworo Kingdom to justify the theme, ‘Asa Ati Ise Yoruba -Ikeko Laafin Oba Alayeluwa’ for the purpose of educating everyone present at the occasion.
In her opening speech, the Tutor General /Permanent Secretary, Education District II, Mrs Anike Adekanye said that the program was designed to encourage the teaching and learning of the Yoruba culture and language in all schools across the state so that the identity of the Yoruba people will not go into extinction.
“Let us be proud of our language and culture. We shouldn’t allow anyone to refer to our language as vernacular. I am a proud Yoruba teacher and this is what I teach that brought me to the level of Tutor General/Permanent Secretary in the most Vibrant state in Nigeria”.
She noted that the event, where students have the opportunity to meet the Oba and learn from him is the fourth of its kind in education District II.
“We had this event at the Palaces of Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Ajibade Agoro, Ranodu of Imota, and Oba Abdulsemiu Orimadegun Kasali, Adegboruwa of Igbogbo and now we are here with Oba Babatunde Saliu the Oloworo of Oworo”.
Mrs Anike Adekanye noted that the event underscores the importance of sustaining our rich cultural legacy while fostering unity and progress among Yoruba people and beyond.
She urged all teachers to always be committed and do due diligence in the discharge of their duties, as well, encouraged students to always stay focused, not letting the efforts of their parents, teachers and the government be in vain.
The colourful event showcased spectacular performances by the students thorough display of Yoruba Cultural attires, music, dance, drums, Exhibitions of traditional artifacts, fashion, culinary delights, storytelling, games, and cooking competition.