Fisayo Akinduro, 
Osogbo

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As part of the efforts to reawaken the dying Yoruba Culture, Osun State government has introduced Cultural and Tourism Club in Schools across the state.
Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Osun, Dr. Obawale Adebisi disclosed this in Osogbo during a workshop with teachers’ coordinators.
Adebisi stated that the aim of organising the workshop was to reawaken the dying Yoruba culture in the State through the Schools, noting that erroneous cultural beliefs of some people had been the major issue confronting Yoruba culture.
He further stated that Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s administration knows the importance of culture and tourism as one of the pillars of the State economic sustainability, noting that when pupils and students are being trained on the practice of Yoruba culture at their tender age, it will become their way of life.
“I want you to know that the introduction of Cultural and Tourism Club in schools is to implement the plans of the State Government in promoting, rejuvenating and resucitating the dying Yoruba Culture.
“Culture and Tourism Master Plan was launched in November, 2020 and one of the Vission 30-30 of the State on Culture and Tourism is to introduce the club in all schools.
” The rationale behind the scheme are: To motivate schools to acquire knowledge about Yoruba rich cultural heritage; sensitizing school children towards appreciation of Yoruba arts; Identifying talented children with a view to catching them young and mentoring them; enhancing creativity and creative thinking ;advocating the spirit of Omoluabi and many more”. Obawale enunciated.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Coordinating Director in the Ministry, Samuel Adeniyi noted that Osun is blessed with culture and tourism potentials which, if properly developed, will boost the state economy.
He also decried the level at which Yoruba culture and tourism is going into extinction through colonization by foreign culture and languages which, according to him, needs to be revived.
Speaking with newsmen, the duo of Mrs Adebayo Rachael from Timi Agbale Grammar School, Ede and Mr Ayoola Ismaila from St. Anthony Secondary School, Isokan Local Government Area respectively, who were among the participants at the programme, appreciated the state government for introducing the Culture and Tourism Club in Schools.
They therefore encouraged all parents to allow their children join the club, adding that no nation can develop without culture.
They also asserted that the erroneous beliefs of some people against culture is the major issue confronting it’s promotion.
The official launch of the Club, by the State governor, Gboyega Oyetola will be performed in due course.