The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, called upon Nigerians to cherish and exhibit their cultural heritage both at home and abroad during the inauguration of the Erelu Yeye Odua (E.Y.O.) Cultural Renaissance Centre in Lagos.
Oba Ogunwusi, as the Grand Royal Father of the event, expressed concern over the diminishing appreciation of Nigerian cultural values, noting a shift towards Western values.
“We have rich culture, heritage, norms, and values that we can market to the outside world, but most Nigerians now prefer Western values to their culture,” he remarked, emphasising the need to uphold and promote indigenous culture.
The traditional ruler urged the government to allocate sufficient funds to the culture and tourism sector, encouraging private investors to leverage the nation’s cultural resources for development.
Highlighting the economic potential of a well-supported cultural sector, Ogunwusi emphasised that robust funding would attract more investors, thereby generating revenue and tackling unemployment issues.
Archbishop Adewale Martins of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos commended the foundation for establishing the centre, emphasising its potential to empower youths and create opportunities.
Chief Abiola Dosunmu, founder of the Erelu Yeye Odua Foundation, underscored the centre’s aim to address historical and cultural controversies, focusing on research, education, and cultural promotion.
Dignitaries present included the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.
