The Oyo State Government has expressed its readiness to support the Itansan Arts Festival and other initiatives that promote Yoruba cultural heritage, particularly among the youth.
The state government stated that its support was part of efforts to preserve the rich traditions of the state.
The state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, made this known while receiving the delegation of the Itansan Arts Festival during a courtesy visit to his office in Ibadan.
He commended the organisers of the initiative, describing the Itansan Arts Festival as a laudable effort aimed at celebrating and projecting the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people, particularly the ancestors who laid the foundation for the present generation.
He said the state government remained committed to encouraging programmes that will rekindle the interest of young people in culture and tradition, adding that cultural festivals play a significant role in preserving identity and promoting tourism.
The Itansan Arts Festival is a newly-established initiative, comprising young individuals committed to promoting Yoruba culture, through well-packaged cultural programmes that resonate with younger generations, many of whom have gradually distanced themselves from traditional cultural practices over the years.
Olatubosun commended members of the Itansan Arts Festival for developing a robust programme aimed at promoting the cultural heritage of Oyo State.
He promised to support the initiative by providing an endorsement letter, attending the event, and offering assistance through the ministry’s media unit to publicise the programme before, during, and after the event, as well as facilitating any other support needed through relevant agencies.
The commissioner also advised the team to ensure proper planning and coordination in order to achieve a successful outing.
Speaking on the purpose of the visit, the Convener and Festival Director of the Itansan Arts Festival, Adewumi Adekunle, explained that the team came to seek endorsement and to officially inform the state government about the maiden edition of the initiative designed to celebrate Yoruba culture, arts, and heritage in ways that resonate with young people.
She added that the festival would particularly highlight Yoruba ancestors.
“Over time, we observed that people are no longer talking about our ancestors, even though each of us shares one trait or another that can be traced to them as our progenitors.
“We want people to see and learn about our ancestors from a different perspective from what it used to be in the past,” she said.
Adekunle further disclosed that the event, scheduled to hold in May, would feature an inter-school competition among secondary school students, where participants would speak on Yoruba deities or traditions.
According to her, presentations would take the form of visual arts, writing, and oratory, with entries judged accordingly.
Other highlights of the programme include a stage play titled “The Beacons Of The Ancestors,” which aligns with the festival’s theme of portraying present generations as the light of their ancestors.
There will also be the launch of a book, titled “Emissaries of the Gods,” which presents Yoruba ancestors as cultural heroes.
Members of the management team of the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism appreciated the initiative for identifying the ministry as a platform to further project its vision and programmes.
They commended the Itansan Arts Festival team for complementing the efforts of the Oyo State Government in promoting culture and tourism while engaging young people as active stakeholders in cultural preservation.
They also expressed optimism that the programme would further strengthen awareness of Yoruba cultural heritage among the younger generation and prayed for the success of the forthcoming festival.
