Alake wants government to halt youth’s waning interest in traditions

As native customs gradually take a backseat with the advancement of modern trends, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has reiterated the call for traditional institutions in the country to be given a constitutional role by the Federal Government as a way of arresting the declining interest of the younger generations in culture.

He made this known at the unveiling of the new look bottles of Intercontinental Distillers Limited (IDL), makers of Eagle Majesty Aromatic Schnapps, a popular prayer drink, and Chelsea Dry Gin, where he offered libations, saying observing traditions are a way of preserving culture that has been passed from one generation.

According to the monarch, the act of offering libation is as old as time. “In African culture, the ritual of offering libation is a way of giving homage to the ancestors.

“Ancestors are not only respected in our cultures, but are also invited like we pray to God or the gods, to participate in all public functions. A prayer is offered in the form of libations, calling the ancestors to attend. This practice is generally performed by an elder, with schnapps poured onto the ground. But is this being passed down to the next generation,” he asked.

Commending the management staff of IDL, Oba Gbadebo said Eagle Aromatic Schnapps is a brand that has continually shown respect and appreciation for tradition and it is a good prayer drink that should be used for all celebrations.

Mr. Mobolaji Alalade, head of Marketing, IDL, said the brand was renewed because of imitations in the market. According to him, the new look has full proof security features on its bottle caps and label.

The re-launch was preceded by IDL Distributors’ Award ceremony. At the event, distributors from the ten IDL distributing regions, scattered across the country, went away with a total sum of N296,974,000 in cash and gifts, for their hard work and diligence as the company’s trade partners.