Olaniyi Adeyemi Titiloye, has called on the three tiers of government in the country to explore culture and arts as means of youth development. He said Yoruba arts and crafts as parts of Nigeria’s general cultural promotion, is a goldmine.
He said: “Our culture is so rich and we have a lot to offer the society through culture. Unfortunately, the interest of Nigerians and especially, Nigerian youth is not there. In Canada, seeing the erosion of our culture among our people, we started teaching children Yoruba language, culture and then organise Asa (culture) day, a weeklong celebration of cultural activities to bring our people back to culture and change negative narration.”
According to the Oro prince, “culture teaches moral, values, family integration, discipline and entrepreneurship.
“Culture can also bring prosperity and attract opportunities as a nation. We can export our culture to outside world, like our various textile materials, pottery, beads, foot wears and caps among others.
“This is not about religion. Religion should not be used to discourage youths from essence of culture and tradition. Culture is a way of life that we must explore and project to the outside world,” he explained.
He advised governments to establish vocational institutions “to engage youths in various aspects of culture. Governments must empower the youth and discourage them from faulty orientation that one must work in offices. Offices are where you work and not necessarily where you have tables and chairs.”
He charged governments, clerics and parents to make youths embrace culture and tradition to avoid it going into extinction.
Titiloye, who is the president and founder of Asa Day worldwide, incorporated in Canada, enjoined stakeholders, especially, governments, to involve and inform youths on matters concerning culture and tradition, adding, “such traditional practices that youth are not exposed to could easily go into extinction.”
On imported traditional textile materials such as aso oke and adire, which are being embraced by many in the country, the cultural ambassador frowned at the development, saying that the imported textile materials cannot be anything but inferior to locally produced textile materials.
“Their own is done by machines and not by handiwork. It can be produced in large mass, but it’s nothing compared to our local quality. Poor economic power of the people has also contributed to people embracing it.”
The convener of Naija Poetry Fest, Godson Osarenren, also raise the need to promote literacy among youths, saying this will ensure a better society for all.
The event featured spoken word poetry competition, short plays, rhythm and poetry (rap) and gifts, among others. Three winners emerged with the overall winner getting a $4,000 scholarship award.
According to Osarenren, poetry has become a way to learn and understand cultures and the emotions of other people, stressing that poetry is a mirror of the society.
Also, Dr Nwachukwu Egbunike, a poet, urged the government to support the education system so as to increase distribution channels for the publishing industry.
