... celebrate tradition, music, community service
...call for improved teaching of indigenous language in schools
Stakeholders, traditional rulers and cultural enthusiasts have called for renewed efforts to preserve Yoruba language and heritage as the maiden edition of CULFEST 1.1 held in Akure, Ondo State.
The colourful cultural festival, which took place at the Adegbemile Cultural Centre, brought together artists, scholars and community leaders who stressed the need to safeguard indigenous traditions and promote cultural identity among younger generations.
The event featured vibrant displays of traditional music, dance performances, cultural fashion and lectures, all aimed at celebrating the richness of Yoruba heritage and encouraging greater appreciation of indigenous culture.
Convener of the festival, Yèyé Modupe O. Akerele, the Yèyé Àṣà of Ìkàré Àkókó and Founder of Cultural House, said the initiative was created to celebrate Yoruba culture while providing a platform for cultural education and community engagement.
Speaking with journalists during the event, Akerele warned that indigenous traditions must be protected from extinction, stressing that the festival was conceived as a deliberate effort to preserve cultural identity.
“The idea behind this cultural festival is to appreciate, celebrate and promote Yoruba cultural heritage. Our cultural heritage must not go into extinction,” she said.
According to her, the festival represents more than a social gathering, describing it as a strong cultural statement that highlights creativity, tradition and community values.
“CULFEST is not just another gathering; it is a powerful celebration of heritage, creativity, fashion, rhythm and community. It is a space where tradition meets expression and identity takes centre stage. Our goal is to promote, preserve and celebrate our rich cultural heritage while also engaging the community in meaningful ways,” she added.
Akerele also urged government to strengthen the teaching of indigenous languages in schools, noting that Yoruba language should be treated with the same seriousness as English in the education system.
“Government should implement policies that make primary and secondary schools take Yoruba language seriously just like English. As English is a criterion for gaining admission into higher institutions, our local languages should also be recognised as criteria for admitting students,” she said.
She added that beyond cultural celebration, the festival also incorporated community-focused initiatives, including medical outreach programmes and the distribution of free eyeglasses to residents.
“The festival is not only about celebration; it is also about service to the community. We organised medical outreach programmes and distributed free eyeglasses because culture should also improve the quality of life of our people,” she explained.
Also speaking at the event, the Owa Ale Adimula of Ikare-Akoko, Oba Adeleke Adefemi Adegbite-Adedoyin II, commended the organisers for promoting Yoruba heritage and encouraging cultural preservation.
The monarch described the initiative as timely and urged cultural promoters across the region to continue creating platforms that highlight Yoruba identity and traditions.
“The festival is a round peg in a round hole. Showcasing Yoruba culture must be encouraged, especially by entertainers and cultural promoters. I am encouraged by what I am seeing here,” the monarch said.
Afrocentric musician Adekunle Fasuyi, popularly known as Samba, also described the festival as an important platform for projecting African heritage and strengthening appreciation for indigenous values.
He noted that the fear that Yoruba language could go extinct is largely due to a lack of promotion and appreciation by the people themselves.
“For many years some Africans treated Yoruba as inferior and preferred foreign languages, particularly English, but things are gradually changing as more people recognise the importance of preserving their culture,” he said.
Fasuyi emphasised the role of parents in safeguarding indigenous languages, urging families to teach their children their mother tongue and nurture pride in their heritage.
“The primary responsibility for preserving language lies with parents. Families must teach their children their native language and ensure they grow up with pride in their culture,” he said.
He also called for reforms in the education system, noting that the heavy emphasis on English as the sole benchmark for academic success has negatively affected many students.
“Many students have had their academic progress hindered because of poor performance in English despite excelling in other subjects. English alone should not determine a student’s academic future,” he added.
Another cultural advocate, Ambassador Olamide Ademilua, urged parents to encourage their children to speak indigenous languages confidently and to value their cultural heritage.
He stressed that local languages should not be portrayed as inferior, adding that people should instead take pride in their linguistic identity.
“It should be considered shameful for someone not to understand or speak their mother tongue, rather than being seen as sophistication,” he said.
The highlight of the festival was the presentation of cultural recognition awards to individuals who have contributed significantly to the promotion and preservation of culture.
Among the award recipients were cultural promoter Olamilekan Fabilola, popularly known as Masoyinbo; Yoruba language scholar Ademola Olamide Seyifunmi; Are Ọba Àṣà Àgbáyé; Ondo State Ajumn President Bolanle Lebson Idanegbe; President of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Alumni Association, Engr. (Chief) Adesina V. Adeola; and cultural promoter St. Duro, among others.
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