Alhaji Uthman Babatunde-Salman, the Chairman of the llorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (lEDPU), Central Zone, has called on stakeholders to work towards ensuring the revival and sustainability of culture and tradition of the Emirate.

According to him, the revival of cultural heritage of communities will secure them from extinction.

He said the 2022 Eid-el-Kabir cultural festival featured the display of Waka, Ere balu, Kengbe, Dadakuada among other cultures known with the llorin Emirate.

Babatunde-Salman noted that in the past, traditions like Dubar, Kengbe, Waka, Ijo Olomo Oba, Were, Dadakuada among others were often used for entertainment and admonition at weddings and other celebrations in any part of the Emirate.

He noted with displeasure that the story was different nowadays as youth from the Emirate now prefer foreign and modern music.

He said: “We in IEDPU Central Zone however felt that for the unwanted carnival celebrations to become a thing of the past, rejuvenating our positive cultural activities is very important. Therefore, all hands must be on deck in a bid to revive our cultural heritage.”

He added that the annual Ilorin Emirate Dubar approved by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, has provided youths a better alternative.

“The revival of Dubar has continued to attract positive reactions from every corner of Ilorin Emirate and beyond,” Babatunde-Salman said.

He called on well meaning individuals to support educational development programme of the zone which has led to the establishment of Nursery, Primary, and Junior and Senior Secondary Schools located at different parts of the Emirate.

He appreciated the Emir of llorin and districts heads for their support for the Emirate in its bid to revive the llorin culture.

NAN