The Ekiti State Government, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has restated its unwavering commitment to promoting and preserving the State rich cultural values while empowering the youth to become self-reliant and contribute to the state’s development.
The Director General Ekiti State Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship (BCOC), Mrs. Olawumi Famuyiwa, stated this during a courtesy visit to the General Manager Ekiti State Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State (BSES), Mr. Olu Popoola.
The purpose of the visit was to discuss potential collaborations aimed at sensitizing the people of the state on the cultural values, particularly highlighting the importance of respect for elders and discouraging the youths from depending on others or engaging in the “get-rich-quick” syndrome.
During the meeting, Mrs. Famuyiwa emphasized the need to cultivate a sense of cultural pride and identity among the residents of Ekiti State. She expressed her commitment to working closely with relevant stakeholders to effect a positive change in the attitudes of the youth towards self-reliance and preservation of Ekiti’s cultural heritage.
“The cultural values and norms that Ekiti State is known for are essential to our identity as a people. It is crucial that we educate our youths about the significance of these values and discourage negative practices such as over-dependence on others and the pursuit of quick wealth,” stated Mrs. Famuyiwa
The General Manager, BSES, Mr. Olu Popoola, in his welcome address, expressed his support for the initiative and suggested that civic orientation should be included in the curriculum of private schools across the state. He believes that incorporating civic education into the curriculum would provide a structured platform for imparting the desired values and ethics to the younger generation.
“I commend the efforts of the Bureau of Civic Orientation and Citizenship in promoting our cultural values. To achieve a lasting impact, I propose that civic orientation be integrated into the curriculum of private schools. This way, we can ensure that the values we hold dear are instilled in our children from an early age”.
Both parties agreed to collaborate closely to develop and implement programmes that would sensitize the people of Ekiti State on their cultural values and norms. They acknowledged the importance of using various media platforms, including radio and television, to reach a wider audience and engage the youth effectively.
