WHY YORUBA CULTURE, LANGUAGE MUST BE REVIVED- Prince Ijiti
... Bags Dingi Oodua Baba Amuludun Award
By Dupson Collins, 24th November, 2022
The Chief Executive Officer of the EverShine Films and Travels Nigeria Limited, Prince Ijiti Samuel Aanu has said it is imperative to revive Yoruba language and culture that is fast going Into extinction.
He spoke to the PATH NEWS at the launching of the First Coloured Yourba Magazine, Dingi Oodua, an event held at Ade Super Hotel in Akure.
The publisher of the Yoruba Magazine, Sunday Agbaje Awise thanked invited guests and well wishers that Graced the launching of the news Tabloid, saying the vision and mission of the magazine is to promote Yoruba culture and language in News reportage and showcasing the rich heritage of the people.
The guest speaker, Dr Oladosu Abiodun Fatomilola, the former Governorship Candidate in Ekiti State said culture is universal and reflected how people live their lives within the context of their individual culture.
He charged Yoruba nation to prioritize Yoruba language, noting that language is the pillar of culture. “Whoever that wants to learn your culture must understand your language which is the pillar; both work together”.
Fatomilola said it is imperative for every true born of Yoruba race to embrace the language, saying culture can only thrive if the people understand the nitty gritty of the language.
Prince Ijiti said Yoruba Language in particular is gradually going into extinction as many parents prefer speaking English Language to their children.
He said Yoruba people must let their children realise that Yoruba language is their heritage and mother tongue that distinguish them from other race.
He condemned parents speaking English Language to their children from infancy, saying it is very dangerous to Yoruba language and culture which every parent must desist from.
His words:” We must not allow our culture and language to go into extinction. Our language, culture, and tradition is our heritage. If care is not taking, none of our children will speak Yoruba again. Let’s prioritize our culture and add more value to it. I am not an English Man but a true born Yoruba Man”.
While thanking the Publisher of Dingi Oodua, Sunday Agbaje popularly called Jagilegbo Awise for the honour of being the first set of people the media outfit will confered award on, he charged him not to relent, saying there is light after darkness.
Prince Ijiti, a multiple awards winner in Ondo State Commended the resilient efforts of Dingi Oodua of using it platform to promote Yoruba culture and language, adding that he has broken the record of being the first news Tabloid that will print Yourba news with colors.
He appealed to Yoruba extraction to always be proud of their identity, culture and language, saying Yoruba culture is the best across the world.
He further noted that he is not shy to promote Yoruba culture within and outside Nigeria, saying whenever he is outside the country, the white people know where he comes from through his language, eating and mode of dressing.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to entertainment Industry in Ondo State and Nigeria at large, he was decorated with”BABA AMULUDUN’ Award by Dingi Oodua.
Within the last ten months, Prince Ijiti Samuel has received eight awards both locally and nationally.
In attendance are, Asamo of Akure Kingdom, Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, General Manager of Fresh FM, State Chairmen of FIBAN and TAMPAN, President of AIPN among others.
