22nd May, 2025
Oyedapo Oyewole
News desk
Oyo state director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Aderogba Akanbi has urged Oyo state government to fasten its space in boosting tourism by opening marketplace for both local and domestic tourists to avail themselves the opportunity to obtain keepsakes/ souvenirs that would remind them of our heritage and enhance cultural immersion such as ; Weaved calabash , talking drums , other local Arts and crafts.
Akanbi offered the advice whilst featuring on Amuludun 99. 1 FM ” Oro re ” anchored by Adesola Adeoye this morning as special guest to elaborate on “culture ” as part of the celebration of International Cultural Day, which was marked globally yesterday,May 21st.
The NOA Director implored the listeners to shun acculturation or act of injecting foreign culture into our already enviable way of life. He noted that some bad habits, such as indecent dressing, disrespect for elders, etc, are alien to our culture and should be totally avoided. while encouraging them to promote our own cultural identity like greetings,” Omoluabi Ethos ‘respect for elders, creativity that speaks volumes of our history, etc
Mr Aderogba Akanbi commended the thespians in Nollywood for reawakening Yoruba culture through various epic plays depicting Yoruba culture and tradition as he applauded Oyo state governor, Engineer Oluseyi Makinde, for his proactive action tailored towards promotion of culture and tourism . He therefore urged citizens to cultivate the habit of visiting tourist attraction sites in the state for economic growth.
Mr Akanbi reiterated that culture is dynamic. some obsene old cultural practices such as Tribe’s mark wearing, genital mutilation, chikd abuse , immoral dressing, etc. should be totally discarded. He cleared.
“Tolerance and peaceful coexistence should be encouraged. We have to understand and respect the culture of the society we live in, when you are in Rome, you behave like a Roman”- Aderogba Akanbi.
” We usually dress in traditional attires in NOA to relate well with and feel like our target audience at the grassroots “- Akanbi.
In conclusion, Mr Aderogba Akanbi called on citizens to join hands with the government at all levels to save our cultural integrity from collapse .
