By Japhet Alakam

Proper documentation of old cultural values, artifacts and art works are very important in the preservation of our culture and tradition as this goes a long way in familiarizing the generations yet unborn with the history of the African continent’.

These were the submission of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, when the Management team of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) paid him a courtesy visit to his Palace recently.

The traditional ruler who assumed office in 2003, in his remarks noted that the African tradition especially the Yoruba culture is a very rich and interesting one. While citing examples of different cultural beliefs, he promised to put in all necessary efforts in propagating it to the rest of the world.

He opined that although he was born a muslim, he has a 100% belief in the traditional customs and values as the sustainability of what is left of the African world after the white man’s invasion can only be found in our culture.

He further acknowledged the fact that it was needful for Africans to move forward and see the past as gone.

“Often times, I had reasons to argue with some foreign expatriates on how they have influenced our cultural values especially among the younger generation. Now that most of these expatriates have left for their countries, the needful for us as Africans is to re-invent our lost values and embrace them again.” He noted.

In response, the Director-General of CBAAC, Ferdinand Anikwe thanked the revered monarch for his insightful comments and observations.

He said the visit was essential as the Oba’s assistance, blessings and co-operation is highly important in order to help project African cultural values to the outside world, which is one of CBAAC’s mandate.

He reiterated the fact that for CBAAC to succeed excellently, the Oba and his council’s collaboration and partnership would make a significant impact and as CBAAC is a stake-holder in the Cultural sector, an affiliation with the traditional ruler would go a long way in helping the Centre achieve laid down goals and ambitions.

The Oba pledged his unflinching support for the Centre and promised to attend any of the Centre’s functions, if invited.

CBAAC Directors present at the visit included: Mrs. Funmi Ladele, Dr. Tony Onwumah, Dr. Mrs. Chuma-Ibe, and Mrs. Osaro Osayande.