Odika sets to revamp Yoruba culture among youths

At a time when most Nollywood stars are engage in extravagance, actress, Rose Odika, is set on another path, to give back to the society, through her initiative, Ewa Asa, which is meant to ignite and promote the rich Yoruba culture.

The event, which will be hosted by HRM, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, is a competition that brings youths together to showcase different talents including, dance groups in undiluted Yoruba language, with the intention to promote integral talent development through holistic approach without any form of discrimination against anybody.

Speaking on what inspired her pursuit of Ewa Asa dream, she said, “The inspiration came when I was going through the culture of the Yorubas. I saw that in Yoruba culture, there is a lot to be celebrated. The Yoruba language is very rich and unique, but I noticed that most Yoruba folks do not allow their children to speak Yoruba, and it will be unfortunate if the language becomes extinguished. Thus, I thought about bringing forth an event which will bring out youths to speak in undiluted Yoruba for 15 minutes, and the 1st 2nd and 3rd winners will be given handsome cash prizes, it is just my way of giving back to the society.”

Despite being Delta State-born, Odika who has lived in Yoruba land all her life said, “I am an actress who features in Yoruba films, thus, the Yoruba culture made me who I am, I cannot teach what I don’t know. The event is still open to sponsors who want to identify with the brand and the culture in general.” She concluded, “We also want people to celebrate the Yoruba culture, some children have never come in contact with masquerades. An average Yoruba person doesn’t know what Gelede dance is, and this is one of the things we want to showcase with the event which will be graced by many celebrities and eminent personalities.”