The need to promote the Yoruba culture took the centrestage at the second edition of the Yoruba Heritage Annual Lecture and Awards, held recently in Akure, Ondo State.
Tagged: Economic Integration: Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities and Raising Business Leaders for Sustainable Development of Yoruba Land, the event was graced by the Olowo of Owo, Oba Victor Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi, the Chairman, Toyota Nigeria, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo; President, Africa Dialogue Mission, Mr Adewole Adebayo and President, La Campagne Tropicana, Ambassador Wanle Akinboboye, among others.
In his remarks, the convener of the Yoruba Heritage Group, Omo’ba Segun Adesemoye, stressed the importance of cultural rebirth and value reorientation among the Yoruba people.
He said: “The only way to economic independence and prosperity is for young people to engage in entrepreneurial activities and shift their focus from short routes that lead them to engage in criminal activities and later destruction.”
The guest speaker, Mr Adebayo, called on the young people to believe in themselves, work hard and imbibe the culture of honesty and integrity saying; “it is the key to growth and satisfaction.”
Also, Ambassador Akinboboye advised the Yoruba to embrace their culture and explore the huge opportunities in tourism. He said, “We must take advantage of our advantage so that we can have an advantage.”
The event was chaired by Ade-Ojo, who also admonished the Yoruba to embrace their culture and entrepreneurship.
Dr Rhoda Makinde, the wife of Honourable Abiola Makinde, was awarded the Ondo State Woman of the Year. This is in recognition of her philanthropic achievement with DROMI, a foundation where she is said to have empowered thousands of women.