Body, Oriire, embarks on reviving African cultural heritage

To preserve and showcase Africa’s rich cultural heritage. Oriire is undertaking documentation on its platform.

It noted: “Historically, Africans have passed down our heritage to the next generations orally. This has unfortunately led to much of that history being lost and forgotten with very few custodians left. Languages are going extinct, traditions have been forgotten and millions have lost their heritage.”

Sesi Zamba, the founder of Oriire, said that “one of the primary goals of Oriire is to promote the appreciation of African culture and history and foster a community of culture enthusiasts. The platform provides a space where people can learn about African mythology and history, and also celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the African continent. Mythology is a significant part of the cultural heritage of every region. However, in many parts of Africa, preserving cultural heritage has not been regarded as a priority. Therefore, much is lost or inaccessible. Oriire’s goal is to change that and become a resource for educational content”.

“This is at odds with other cultures, specifically Asian and European among others that is carefully preserved, celebrated and showcased to the world. We read books and watch films showcasing their gods, their traditions, their history and we have little or no references for our own. This is especially relevant when it comes to Nigeria. Nigeria is a country with rich cultural heritage and diversity. With over 250 ethnic groups, each with its unique language, customs, and traditions, Nigeria is undoubtedly a cultural melting pot. However, the sad reality is that Nigeria’s cultural heritage has not been properly preserved, and this poses a significant threat to the country’s identity and history,” she noted.