By Seliat
The failure to uphold culture in the face of civilization in Yoruba land led to setbacks in cultural norms and value.
This assertion was brought to bare at the launching and presentation of a book
titled “Ede Yoruba Lona Irorun’ which held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo, Osun State.
The book presentation served as a medium for notable individuals and cultural stakeholders to express their views on cultural values.
A former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, and the guest speaker at the event, Dr. Yemi Farounbi identified language as an essential part of culture which must not be eroded or bastardised.
Dr. Farounbi harped on the need for the preservation of Yoruba language as one of the many ways to preserve its culture.
He lamented how people degrade Yoruba culture all in the name of embracing civilisation at the detriment of their own.
He averred that the author of the book “Ede Yoruba Lona Irorun'”, journalist with Iwe-iroyin Alaroye, Mrs Florence Babasola has made a significant contribution in nurturing the Yoruba culture and the language in particular.
“Civilization has made everybody neglect their culture and language to the extent that they regard to their mother tongue as vanacular” Farounbi said.
The Book Reviewer who is the Executive Secretary, Osun State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr. Adeoye Bakare recommended the book for every home for promoting Yoruba language.
He commended the author for challenging and spurring other stakeholders in Yoruba culture to do same with a view to promoting the culture.
Other speakers including implored Media practitioners, movie producers, parents, teachers and government to reawaken the masses through what they do to rejuvenate the culture as a matter of urgency.
