Centre for Indigenous Knowledge, Development and Sustainability (CIKDAS), in partnership with Cultural Survival, a project funding organisation, held a community media advocacy workshop aimed at preserving cultural heritage.
The community media advocacy and capacity-building workshop, tagged “Workshop 2”, the first having be held in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, was held on Wednesday at Ijede, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Described as a resounding success, the workshop brought together youths, indigenous community members, CSOs and the physically-challenged to speak out and promote their rights through community radio initiatives.
Participants at the workshop emphasised the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge systems, promotion of organic foods culture and protection of indigenous lands and rights.
They also highlighted the crucial role community radio plays in disseminating vital information and advocating for community development.
In her welcome address, CIKDAS Project Director, Jumoke Owoola, praised the attendees for showing interest in the media advocacy aimed at preserving the cultural heritage.
She equally appreciated the Cultural Survival for its intervention by funding the community media advocacy workshop.
“Cultural Survival is a non-profit organisation dedicated to defending the rights of the indigenous peoples as well as amplifying their voices and ideologies globally.
“The organisation believes in supporting ideas that will always make the voices of indigenous people heard,” she said.
Owoola revealed that the workshop was the second to be carried out by the same organisation on the same topic. She stated that community radio preserves and promotes indigenous languages, cultures and traditions.
“Community Radio provides a platform for indigenous voices, stories and perspectives, amplifying their presence in the media landscape.
“Indigenous radio empowers indigenous communities, enabling them to take control of their own narratives and representations.
“It facilitates cultural exchange, understanding, and reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples,” she said.
Owoola emphasised the need for constant awareness and followup campaigns to get both indigenous and non-indigenous people involved and informed on matters concerning the indigenous people.
“These are the reasons for getting the selected inhabitants to partake in the workshop,” the CIKDAS Project Director added.
Voices at the workshop
In his remarks, one of the participants and a key leader at the workshop, Adekola Azeez, said the workshop couldn’t have come at a better time than now.
He said the workshop was timely because it was an avenue to use, not just community radio in the dissemination of indigenous people’s rights, but to also use other forms of community media in carrying home their messages.
“We are happy that this workshop is being done in our community despite its location. We are happy to learn that we can create ideas that can reshape our indigenous ideologies for community media to harp upon.
“Not only this, you can all see the overwhelming response as people are ready to be the change agents needed in restoring our lost cultural heritage.
“Yoruba language is sweet to the ears. Our foods are medicinal, we reason before we talk and humility is always the beauty of any Yoruba individual. These are what we can still revive and promote,” he said.
The Baale (local head) of Oko Ope in Ijede Town, represented by Mr. Kuti Jelili praised the organiser, CIKDAS and the funding organisation, Cultural Survival, for thinking of hosting such a laudable program in his domain.
“We are known for respecting elders because we grow up seeing that positive cultural values are imbibed in us. Also, unity is a must here, irrespective of your ideology so far it is not harmful and misleading.
“Indigenous people are to be fully recognised in any society they found themselves. Their lands are to be protected. Their voices are to be heard and there are policies that can be used for their development.
“I am hopeful that this workshop will foster more community engagements, promotes participation and involvement in indigenous knowledge systems and cultural ideologies.
“As per the community radio, I believe that this workshop will allow people to create ideas that are culturally oriented, cultural friendly and sustainable.
“Imagine putting on your radio to learn how to revive those indigenous and organic foods about going into extinction,” the Baale of Oko Ope said.
“What is Cultural Survival doing to make our culture to survive in spite of the indigenous knowledge systems being neglected?
“What can be done for those coming up to cherish the sweat and labours of their forefathers?,” asked Zaynab Seriki, a young woman thirsty for the impacts of indigenous people’s ideologies in her environment.
“I grew up knowing the numerical numbers in Yoruba language. Our local languages were taught alongside the lingua franca at schools. But the reverse is the case nowadays.
“I believe this workshop will give the relevant authorities the boost needed in solving this problem. I am ready to focus on school children in creating programs that can help them know the rich African cultural heritage that they are blessed with,” she further said.
For Mrs. Kehinde Azeez, “indigenous home training has been my passion for many years.
“Dressing to showcase Yoruba culture, behaving like well-trained or someone from a good home with total humility. And my neighbours can attest to this because I extend it to their children too.
“With this community radio workshop today, I can easily introduce the script to those working there or create an avenue for any youngsters in this community to freelance.”
Orepitan Hakeem, who represented the Apena of Ijede, another key traditional chief, opined that the workshop has given credence to the fact that indigenous people are relevant in the society.
“The unity in their coexistence is being hammered upon. And that in unity, there will be development.
“Through this workshop now, I have learnt about the need for collaboration and collective action to address the challenges facing indigenous communities,” he said.
For Faseyi Tolani, “I came here as a greyhound. I am leaving as a professional. I have just discovered that I can showcase the Yoruba oral poems that I am talented with either the community radio or social media. Through these poems, one brings out the importance of indigenous Knowledge.”
Temilola Ajani confessed that “this event has given me a voice and a platform to advocate for my community’s rights. I am no longer shy or feel timid in raising my head high wherever my cultural identity is being trampled upon.”
Adenuga Joy, a young graduate, happily said: “This workshop is a game-changer and a break away from the norms.
“This has really changed my perception about indigenous people. It has emboldened me to appreciate our forefathers and their contributions. I learnt so much and made some connections too.”
Elike David, another participant, called on the leadership of CIKDAS and Cultural Survival to replicate this kind gesture soonest in other communities around them.
“We really thank both CIKDAS and Cultural Survival for this impactful experience. But, like an Oliver Twist, we are asking for more. The knowledge is there now because you have reawakened the interest in us ”
Asides the facilitators, 50 participants were in attendance and different topics treated. The questions and answers time indicated the interest and the enthusiasm put in by the attendees.
Immediately after the event, selected participants were taken to a recording studio for practical purposes.
Topics treated at the workshop included “Community Radio As A Tool For Social Change; “Social and Environmental Issues”; “Empowering Indigenous Voices And Perspectives”; Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination; and “Promoting Indigenous Cultures And Traditions.”
