Cultural preservation key to national development

By Lukman Olabiyi

Governments at all levels have been urged to establish sustainable structures for the preservation of Nigeria’s rich and diverse cultural heritage to prevent it from fading into extinction.

This call was made by notable traditional leaders, scholars, and cultural advocates during the 2025 edition of the Grandmothers’ Festival, organised by the Olokun Festival Foundation (OFF) and held in Epe, Lagos.

Among the speakers were the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and Founder of OFF, Iba Gani Adams; Dr Adebowale Adeyemi-Suenu of Olabisi Onabanjo University; and several traditional rulers.

They emphasised that cultural preservation is central to national identity, unity, and development. Promoting cultural values, they said, not only fosters social cohesion but also strengthens communal bonds, enabling generations to stay connected to their heritage, traditions, and shared values.

In his keynote address, Iba Gani Adams highlighted the significance of the Grandmothers’ Festival (Odun Awon Iya Agba), describing it as a celebration of motherhood and the spiritual strength of grandmothers as pillars of families and communities.

“This festival is a cherished occasion dedicated to honouring the invaluable contributions, physically and spiritually, of our grandmothers. They are the bedrock of families and vital custodians of our traditions,” Adams stated.

He explained that the festival was modelled after the globally celebrated Halloween, noting its wide acceptance in countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

According to him, such cultural celebrations have the power to unite communities and promote national pride.

“Unlike other parts of the world where covens are respected and supported by governments for spiritual guidance and development, traditional practices in Nigeria, particularly in Yorubaland, are often disrespected and undermined. This has had a negative impact on community development,” he said.

Adams stressed the need to revive and respect traditional institutions, arguing that Nigeria must avoid allowing foreign religions and cultural influences to erode indigenous values and spiritual systems.

In his lecture, Dr Adebowale Adeyemi-Suenu underscored the role of cultural preservation in safeguarding Nigeria’s heritage and ensuring continuity for future generations.

“Cultural preservation is essential for maintaining Nigeria’s identity, promoting unity, and passing on a legacy of pride and dignity,” he noted.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Chairperson of Epe Local Government, Princess Surah Animashaun (represented by Babatunde Odupe); the Oloja of Epe, HRM Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun (represented by the Agbon of Epeland, Chief Dada Yesiru); and other traditional rulers, including HRM Oba Sikiru Ebudola Odedina (Oniladaba of Ladaba), HRM Oba Adeleke Ismaila (Onilepia of Lepia), HRM Oba Adewale Amodemaja (Onimapara of Maparaland), and HRM Oba Mudashiru Atanda (Onishasha of Shasha Abosude-Ifo).

Others in attendance included HRM Oba Mufutau Adewunmi Lariye (Ologunfayo of Ogunfayo-Iwerekun), HRM Oba Aderibigbe Balogun (Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu), and HRM Oba Adelani Adeniyi (Adegbajobof Odo-Gbawojo), among other chiefs and cultural stakeholders.