BY AKINWALE ABOLUWADE, IBADAN
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo is billed to launch the Yoruba World Centre project in collaboration with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at the University of Ibadan today, Tuesday.
The YWC project, coordinated by the International Centre for Yoruba Arts and Culture, was described as one of the best things to happen to the Yoruba people, world over, in recent time.
The Ooni said in his palace during an earlier visit by the INCEYAC team, led by the initiator and publisher of Alaroye Newspapers, Alao Adedayo, that “I am sincerely glad that you, respected children of Yoruba land, have decided to institute a centre for the study of our language and culture.
“In fact, I will say that I am excited. History and posterity will not forget you in a hurry because what you are doing is going to ensure that our culture and tradition are preserved.”
Oba Adeyeye used the opportunity to pledge his readiness to collaborate in making the project a success, adding, “This is the right moment for all Yoruba sons and daughters to proudly come together to ensure that this project is successful. We need this to enhance our unity as a major Nigerian ethnic group.”
Adedayo submitted in his response that the project was aimed at ensuring that there was documentation and proper care for old records, traditional tools and historical materials.
The INCEYAC team that visited the Ooni included renowned cinematographer, Tunde Kelani and Dr Adeola Faleye of the Obafemi Awolowo University.
Others billed for the occasion are former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, General Alani Akinrinade (retd.), are governors of the South-West; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; and Chief Tunji Alapini.
