The Director-General ( D-G) , Ekiti State Council of Arts and Culture, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre, has urged youths to be involved in cultural reorientation and the promotion of their traditional heritage.
He said this during a courtesy visit by the leadership of Federation of Ekiti State Students, Ekiti State University Chapter, to Ojo-Lanre in his Ado Ekiti office.
This is contained in a press statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from the council’s press officer, Abosede Festus.
The D-G advised the youth to embrace their traditional culture by promoting traditional wares, foodstuffs, music, dance, local festivals and greetings.
He said through such identities, they would be connecting with their traditional roots and be more relevant to their various communities.
He said that they would not be influenced by the various foreign cultures that were infiltrating the African society.
Ojo-Lanre said that the council’s mandate was to rejuvenate, promote and support ideas that would enhance creativity, job creation and add value to the people of the state.
“You are the strength of the nation, you need to be involved in the development of the land, especially in the promotion of local festivals and traditional events.
“This should not be done in a violent way, but in a way that it will redefine and take our culture to a greater level of economic development.
“I expect you to come out with solid plans and agenda that will enhance cultural activities and creativity among you.
“Because most of you are talented and culturally endowed, your embracing the traditional activities will showcase you to the world,” he said.
The statement quoted the President of EKSU chapter, Alegbeleye Temitayo, to have commended the council for its activities since the incumbent Director-General assumed office.
He said that they had been remarkable and had become a great source of inspiration to the body.
Also, the Senate President of the Association, Adewale Damilola, appreciated the D-G for his words of encouragement.
Adewale said that the D-G had given them a clue that would help them to harness their talents for the benefit of the state.
“We hope to come up with a working proposal for collaboration between our body and the Council of Arts and Culture very soon ,” he said.
