SOUTH WEST TRADITIONAL RULERS COMMENDED FOR SUSTAINING CULTURAL VALUES

The Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko has commended traditional rulers in the South West States under the aegis of His Royal Majesty (HRM) Heritage Forum, for their contributions towards sustaining the culture and values of the Yoruba race.

Ojuko gave the commendation at the flag-off of a sensitization programme on cultural empowerment, organised by the HRM Heritage Forum, in collaboration with "Igbein Descendant Union", held at Olu Igbein Palace Auditorium, Loburo Town, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the State.

Represented by the Director of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Dolapo Adewunmi, the Commissioner said the programme would promote activities of the Forum and bring together, traditional rulers in the axis towards promoting the cultural values of the people in the region.

"I wish to place on record that the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has a mandate to ensure that matters affecting traditional rulers in the State receive prompt attention and serve as the Secretariat of the State Council of Traditional Rulers. It has been playing a vital role in the HRM Heritage Forum, both financially and morally.

"Let me also use this opportunity to appreciate the founding fathers of the Forum, especially, the Grand Patron, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Grand Host, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo and the Chief Host, the Olu of Igbein, Oba Oluwole Makinde and other Royal Fathers who came from the South West States.  Their contributions towards the HRM Heritage Forum had gone a long way in uplifting and sustaining the culture and traditions of the people", Ojuko stated.

Shedding light on the next level of the Forum, Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism who is also the Co- Founder of the Forum, Bashorun Muyiwa Oladipo pointed out that HRM Forum  was a parent body which has other forums namely; Heritage Television and  Radio, Queen's Forum and the Heritage Application, created to provide easier communication networks, where indigenes could logged- in online  and have unhindered access to history, local contents and happenings in their hometown, irrespective of their location.

Oladipo who added that the branches would commence full operation to commemorate the third year anniversary of the Forum in a couple of months, used the occasion to present the Paramount Ruler and Prescribed Authority Odo- Noforija Kingdom, Epe Division, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja, the Chairman of HRM Heritage Forum, Lagos State Chapter, as the President-General of the Forum, while Oba Oluwole Makinde was inaugurated as the Patron of the Forum.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the occasion, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja noted that the body had brought together traditional rulers from across the South West States in Nigeria to foster unity, as well as help showcase traditional values and culture of the States.

Highpoint of the event was presentation of awards to some members of the pen profession, for their various contributions in creative content in the promotion of Africa culture and tradition on digital, online and offline platforms.

Some of the recipients included a veteran Journalist and Baaroyin of Egbaland, Olotu Lai Labode, Director of National Broadcast Academy, Engr. Ajibola Abiola and the Head of Media Unit, Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Oluwaseun Boye, amongst others.