BY BUKOLA BARDI
Organisers of the much awaited exhibition of culture tagged “ÌPÀTE ÀSÀ” 20210 in Ondo State have said the event would not only showcase the culture and tradition of the yoruba race but it would also address some moral decadence in the society.
They stated this at a press briefing to herald the“ÌPÀTE ÀSÀ”which holds between 29th and 30th of September, 2021.
The two day event will showcase exhibition of artefacts, crafts and other materials embeded in the yoruba culture.
It will also include fashion parade, beauty pagentry tagged “OMIDAN ASA” dancing, drumming and stage performance by various yoruba musicians while some eminent yoruba sons and daughters would also be honoured with various categories of award at the event.
“ÌPÀTE ÀSÀ” is a collaboration between the Ondo state ministry of culture and tourism and a private organisation, Yoruba Heritage International Limited,
The permanent secretary, ministry of Culture and tourism, Mrs Boladale Akinyanmi who led speakers during the briefing noted that “ÌPÀTE ÀSÀ” was being staged to bring to the global space yoruba culture and tradition with a view to revive the dying ones.
She said “the objective of ipate asa is actually to bring to the fore all that makes yoruba, a race, the culture, the tradition and anything you can think of. We shall also be promoting the natural beauty of the yoruba women which is devoid of any artificial beauty”
Also speaking, the chairman, Yoruba Heritage International Limited, Prince Segun Adesemoye who said “ÌPÀTE ÀSÀ”would address indecent dressing, disrespect for elders especially in greetings and neglect of local dishes expressed the hope that the virtues of honesty, hardwork and good conduct which were typical of the Yoruba race would also be revived through the cultural exhibition.
According to Adesemoye ” I will continue to say, a cultured person will not steal money meant for hospitals, road or sag his trousers, a cultured man or woman has integrity in business, family life, conduct and character which has always been the watchword of our fathers, that’s what we want to preach through “ÌPÀTE ÀSÀ”
The chairman, “ÌPÀTE ÀSÀ” planning Committee, Mr Tope Akin-Adeleye hinted that the event would parade bigwigs in the yoruba cultural arena including the Renowned Ifa Priest, Chief Yemi Elebuibon who is expected to deliver a public lecture during the event.
“The ministry of culture and tourism is all out through ipate asa to promote the yoruba culture, our youths have strayed from the yoruba culture, we need to make them return to respecting the elders, seeing nudity as a forbidden act and showcasing the wonderful values which our forefathers have instilled in us”
Another partner in the project, Mr Ayodeji Ologun pointed out that while “ÌPÀTE ÀSÀ”would entertain all strata of the society, much attention would be on using the avenue to educate the youths and also instill moral values in them through the various activities lined up for the two day event.
The yoruba cultural exhibition will take place at the Adegbemile cultural centre, Alagbaka, Akure.
Present at the Briefing were the Director of publicity, Yoruba Heritage International Limited, Mr Yomi Saint and Directors in the ministry of Culture and Tourism.