Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, has described the Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), Bashorun Akinwale Solomon Akinwole (Wolekanle), as a committed custodian and promoter of Yoruba culture and tradition.
Olatunbosun stated this at the “Sàgbéga Asa” lecture held at the Local Government Staff Training School, Local Government House, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
The lecture, titled “Promoting Yoruba Culture and Language: The Pivotal Role of Traditional Chanters and Poets,” was delivered by Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode.
The Commissioner said Wolekanle had been a crusader and advocate of Yoruba culture long before venturing into politics and public service, adding that his longstanding commitment informed his selection as one of the recipients of an award at the event.
He urged the LGSC chairman to continue promoting and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
In his remarks contained in a statement by the Director of Education and Social Services, Mrs. Funke Foluso Lala, Wolekanle, who was represented by the Full-Time Commissioner II, Alhaji Akeem Taiwo Oke, expressed appreciation to the organisers for the honour.
Wolekanle said Yoruba people must continue to uphold their culture, tradition, values and language, urging parents to begin teaching their children the Yoruba language and cultural values from an early age.
He said: “As a Yoruba man, our culture first, our heritage first, our way of life first, and our language first.”
He also encouraged parents to expose their children to Yoruba attire, language and values, saying such upbringing would help them live responsibly.
Also present at the event was Prince Salawu Yusuf (Okotolaye), Special Assistant III to Governor Seyi Makinde on Culture.
