“Our generation has fallen short of being proud of promoting the Yoruba culture and tradition” – Lecturer
An Osun based cultural icon who is also a University lecturer Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, ministers and governors on Wednesday to cut their salaries as part of sacrifices to save the nation from an economic quagmire.
Speaking during a press conference in Osogbo, Osun State capital as part of activities lined up to commemorate his 70th birthday anniversary, Elebuibon who also is the Araba Awo of Osogboland cautioned ethnic utterances and outbursts, capable of fragmenting the unity of Nigeria.
He said there was the need for Nigerian political leaders to show practical commitment to the survival of the country by giving back part of their salaries to save the cost of running the government and most especially reduce overhead cost so as to boost the economic condition of the country.
In the statement made by him, “what the country needs now is change of attitude, especially by those in leadership positions”, adding that it was appalling to have failed in making sacrifices by cutting down their salaries and allowances, despite the poor state of the country’s economy.
He insisted that even if the country is divided into 37 different nations, without a change in attitude by the leaders and the led, the socio-economic challenges, confronting Nigerians would remain unabated.
Speaking on the unimaginable decline in the usage of Yoruba language among her people, Ebuibon said it is becoming a critical issue. Expressing his fear with the current trend, he said the Yoruba language may go to extinction if drastic measure were not taken by necessary stakeholders, most especially notable Yoruba leaders to salvage the situation.
“Our generation has fallen short of being proud of promoting the Yoruba culture and tradition. It should be of great concern, what are we going to bequeath to the generation coming behind in the area of promoting our culture, especially the Yoruba language,”.
However, he finally advised that government within the Yoruba speaking states of the country should make the Yoruba language as the official language for transacting business.
Other activities lined out in the celebration of Elebuibon’s 70th birthday celebration are; a birthday lecture entitled: “The contribution of Elebuibon to the development of Yoruba tradition and culture” to be delivered by renown historian, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso. The former governor of Osun state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola will also be there to Preside over the event.
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