Cultural Extinction: Ogun HoS Seeks Preservation of State's Values

...decorates 2024 NUJ R.I.Y.E Cultural Icons 

The Ogun State Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Kehinde Olufemi Onasanya, has called for the preservation of the State’s cultural values affirming that the present administration in the State under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun would not relent at holding cultural heritage in high esteem across the State.

Mr. Onasanya made the call at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta during a two in one event organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Information Chapel to Celebrate the First Year In Office of Comrade Femi Osipitan led administration and also to decorate the 2024 NUJ R.I.Y.E Cultural Icons.

The Head of Service, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr. Sam Oyeleye, noted that the celebration was in tandem with the present administration’s agenda in promoting cultural activities in the State.

While commending the Chapel for initiating such an event, Mr. Onasanya pointed out that the idea of promoting the usage of our native language, wearing of our native attire, eating of our native food and singing our native songs amongst others would remain a vital tool for sustaining the rich cultural heritage in the four zones of Remo, Ijebu , Yewa and Egba (R.I.Y.E) which makes up the State enjoining parents to continually inculcate rich cultural values and traditions in their wards.

Speaking, the duo of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Waheed Adesina, represented by the Director of Information, Public Enlightenment, Mr. Seyi Oladimeji, and his counterpart from the Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Lanre Ogunyinka described the event as laudable, saying it would further boost socio-cultural values of the people while underscoring the role of Information Officers in the dissemination of government activities, which had impacted positively on the State.

The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council, Comrade Akinwale Olanrewaju who applauded the Chapel leadership for making the Union proud and the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration for approving the resolutions of the National Council on Establishment in the State called on government to look into the establishment of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations for effective dissemination of government activities.

Earlier in his address, Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Femi Osipitan, intimated that the event was borne out of the desire to ensure that culture does not go into extinction, saying, “the only way to preserve our future is to embrace our culture”.

The Cultural Icons honourees, Comr. Adeyinka Musa Richard (Cultural Icon Female); Comr.Femi Olayinka (Cultural Icon Male) and Comr. Joy Ogbodo (Cultural Icon, Non-Yoruba), appreciated the organisers for the honour bestowed on them, saying the event would always remind them of their heritage. Highlight of the event was the decorations, presentation of awards and gifts to the honourees.