Igogo: Adekanmbi Hails Owo Traditional Institution, Urges Youths to Embrace Culture
Igogo: Adekanmbi Hails Owo Traditional Institution, Urges Youths to Embrace Culture
…Calls for Sustained Preservation of Ogwalopo and Owo Traditions….
The Managing Director of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), Dr Femi Adekanmbi, has urged Nigerians, particularly the younger generation, to preserve and promote the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Adekanmbi made the call while participating in the Ogwalopo Festival in Owo, where he joined other indigenes and stakeholders in celebrating the cultural heritage and traditions of the kingdom.
Ogwalopo is one of the events featured in the popular Igogo Festival. Speaking with newsmen at the event, Adekanmbi commended the traditional institution of Owo Kingdom for sustaining and improving upon its age-old traditions and cultural heritage.
He said, “Under the visionary leadership of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, Owo has been able to make a statement with this year’s Igogo Festival through unique cultural and innovative events. I particularly commend our traditional institution for this laudable role and the people of Owo for their support.”
“The sustenance of these festivals depends on our support and commitment. I am certain that Igogo and other cultural heritage of Owo will gain greater global attention if we continue on this noble path,” Adekanmbi added.
The BORBDA helmsman, however, stressed the need for people, particularly the younger generation, to embrace and actively participate in cultural activities, noting that the preservation of cultural heritage should not be left solely to traditional institutions.
He stressed that culture remains an important part of a people’s identity and history, urging the younger generation to learn, understand and promote the traditions handed down by their forebears.
Adekanmbi said the continued celebration of festivals such as Igogo provides an avenue for younger people to connect with their roots while also creating an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Owo to visitors and the wider world.
He added that with sustained support from the government, traditional institutions, indigenes and other stakeholders, Owo’s cultural festivals could attract greater national and international recognition while contributing to the development of the local economy.
He called on Owo indigenes, particularly those living outside the kingdom, to continue supporting initiatives aimed at preserving the kingdom’s cultural heritage, describing culture as a collective responsibility that must be passed from one generation to another.
