In a vibrant celebration of heritage, language, and tradition, the 2025 Inter-School Yoruba Cultural Competition took center stage on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Legislative Building Hall, Ogbomoso South Local Government Secretariat, Arowomole, Ogbomoso.
The event, organized by Filgold Concepts, an educational consultancy, in collaboration with Ogbomoso South Local Government, was themed:
“Àṣà ati Ìṣe Wa: Preserving the Yoruba Culture in the English Educational System for Sustainable Development.”
It aimed to revive indigenous Yoruba values and traditions among students, while encouraging their integration into the formal educational system.
Delivering the opening address, the Executive Chairman of Ogbomoso South, Hon. Oyedokun Oyeniyi Timothy, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to promoting cultural education. He applauded Filgold Concepts for initiating the programme and urged schools to embrace cultural inclusion as a means of fostering holistic development in students.
Mr. Adegbosin Adebayo, Convener and Managing Director of Filgold Concepts, stressed the importance of preserving Yoruba cultural heritage in an age of global influences. He highlighted the role of education in safeguarding identity and cultivating a sense of pride among the youth.
The event featured keynote presentations by distinguished scholars including Dr. Adegbosin Opeyemi, Dr. Seriki Kazeem, Dr. Ademuyiwa, and Dr. Akintaro Seun. Each speaker emphasized the vital role of stakeholders — from educators and parents to government bodies — in reviving and maintaining Yoruba cultural values within schools and communities.
A total of seven public and private secondary schools from Ogbomoso South participated in the keenly contested event:
- Ogbomoso High School
- Ogbomoso Baptist High School
- Muslim Grammar School
- Baptist Secondary Grammar School, Ahoyaya
- The Apostolic Grammar School
- Gomal Baptist College
- Wesley Comprehensive College
Wesley Comprehensive College emerged overall winner, with The Apostolic Grammar School and Baptist Secondary Grammar School, Ahoyaya, taking second and third places respectively.
The well-attended event drew participants from across the local government, including school heads, educators, students, parents, traditional leaders, and cultural enthusiasts. Organizers expressed gratitude to Almighty God and extended special appreciation to Hon. Oyedokun Oyeniyi Timothy for his continuous support and encouragement of youth and cultural development initiatives.
As traditional drumming, folk songs, and colorful attire filled the air, the competition served not only as entertainment but as a clarion call for the preservation and celebration of Yoruba identity. Organizers pledged that this cultural initiative would remain a recurring feature of Ogbomoso’s educational calendar.
