Crescent varsity registrar bags patron of Arts Award
*As stakeholders canvass preservation of cultural heritage
By IDRIS KATIB
In recognition of his contribution to the preservation of cultural heritage, the registrar of Crescent University, Abeokuta Barr. Zakariyya Ajibola has been honoured with Patron of the Arts Award at the just concluded Adire Lens/2nd Solo Photography Exhibition held at the Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
He was honoured alongside three others including the Ogun State Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye who was conferred with Adire Ambassador Award.
Barr. Ajibola was ably represented by Mr Idris Katib, a Senior Assistant Registrar of Crescent University at the event.
Panelists and participants expressed their words of endorsement to the Convener, Mr Mustapha Alogba for showcasing indigenous culture through his lens and exhibitions.
Alogba is a law graduate of the prestigious Crescent University Abeokuta.
Speaking as a member of the panel under the topic “The Adire Heritage: Pathway to Cultural Preservation and Financial Prosperity”, the ace film maker and cinematographer, Dr Tunde Kelani encouraged the youths to always tell their stories, using their language and culture adding that “the language of my cinema is the language of my geographical location which is Yoruba.”
Kelani said telling his stories through the lens of his language and culture has earned him a lot of regard from academics and professionals around the world.
He said “learning other languages starting from your own gives you an edge in life”, stressing that at a point he banned speaking of other languages, except Yoruba, in his home.
In his contribution, a cultural icon, Prince Yemisi Shyllon advised indigenous Adire fabrics producers to break individualism and form cooperatives to be able to publicize advantages of genuine Adire to prospective buyers.He said Adire producers should find a niche and market segmentation to favourably compete for a large pool of the market.
A Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Trade, Mrs Yemisi Dawodu said resurrection of the indigenous textile industry like Adire is a concern for the government. She added that part of the awareness is the “Ogun State advert promoting Adire at the international airport “.
She recommended inclusion of indigenous textile production in the Ogun State schools’ curriculum.
Another panelist, Bola Yinka-Obebe who is an entrepreneur explained that as part of her contribution to the preservation of cultural heritage, her concept ‘SpeakEde’ was created as an answer to a personal problem when her children aged fourteen and eleven could not speak Yoruba language. She proposed a bridge between attraction to the youth and the culture.
While appreciating all participants, Mustapha Alogba said he found his love in photography and arts since his days as a law undergraduate at Crescent University.
