By our Reporter
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President, has called on Nigerians, especially parents with children living abroad, to ensure their wards learn and uphold the Yoruba language and culture so they do not lose their identity.
Speaking at the 26th edition of the Odun Omo Oluwo Festival 2025, themed “Awaken the Owu Spirit,” held at Ọba Adeleye Park, Sokori, Ori-Omi, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo stressed the importance of cultural heritage and identity among Yoruba people.
He noted that teaching children their native language and cultural values remains one of the greatest legacies parents can pass down. According to him, a people’s culture defines their way of life and sets them apart from others.
“Our culture is the totality of our existence. If anyone says I don’t have a culture, that means they’re saying I don’t have a way of life, and I will challenge that,” Obasanjo said.
“There’s nothing that can replace our culture. I once had a professor friend who refused to teach his children Yoruba. When those children went abroad, they wrote to him saying their white friends always asked about their culture, something their father failed to teach them.”
In his remarks, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele, urged indigenes of Owu Kingdom to invest in their homeland to foster job creation and economic growth. He said such efforts align with his administration’s ISEYA mantra.
“No matter where life takes you, Owu remains your home, your identity, and your pride. Let us pass on to the next generation the virtues of discipline, honesty, hard work, and unity,” Abiodun said.
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Ọba Saka Matemilola, expressed gratitude to dignitaries, including Obasanjo, Abiodun, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi), traditional rulers, and other illustrious sons and daughters of Owu, for their continuous contributions to the kingdom’s progress.
