Embracing Unity In Diversity, Key To Strengthening The African Race – Aregbesola

… As Former Minister Bags Lifetime Award On Preserving Cultural Heritage

Former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Thursday, sought the collaboration of all segments of the African society in strengthening the cultural and developmental aspirations of the continent and its people.

Aregbesola stressed that the role of bold and determined leadership, education, collective action, promotion of the pivotal aspects of the rich cultural heritage of the African people is hugely essential, to lead the race from victimisation to redemption.

He said his decision to declare a public holiday to mark the annual Isese Day marked by traditionalists, as Governor of Osun in 2014 was part of ideas to entrench the spirit of unity of purpose in the people, and by far promote cultural inclusivity for enhanced progress and development.

Aregbesola spoke at a symposium on strong cultural cooperation and conferment of “All Times Achiever of Heritage Legacy of Excellence Award 2023,” on him by the Yoruba Women Global Voice Initiative in conjunction with the African Cultural for Community Development Initiative at the Freedom Park in Lagos.

The award to Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who was represented at the event, according to the organisers, is in recognition of his immense contributions towards peace-building, education, socio-economic development and transformational projects, as well as projecting the image of the Yorubas as distinguished humans with dignity – Omoluabi.

The former Governor who spoke on Fostering Internal Cultural Cooperation and Eradicating Racism: Celebrating Yoruba Unity Across Borders noted that exploring the profound connections that bind the diverse Yoruba cultures across the globe is the way out to addressing the pressing global concern of racism.

Aregbesola said: “At the core of my beliefs lies the fundamental principle that humanity is indivisible. There is no room for notions of superiority or inferiority based on race, gender, or any other characteristic. We are all equal members of the human family, shaped by the circumstances of our environment, knowledge, and the era in which we live. Embracing this truth enables us to build bridges of understanding and solidarity, transcending the artificial barriers that have been erected to divide us.

“As we celebrate our cultural heritage and the unity that defines our Yoruba identity, we must also confront the stark realities that have hindered our progress. Africa, especially the regions south of the Sahara, has borne the brunt of centuries of abuse, exploitation, and neglect. The absence of bold and determined leadership has often left our nations grappling with underdevelopment. However, rather than dwell on the past, I believe in focusing our energies on mobilizing our people and resources to initiate a profound process of redemption.

“The call to action for popular forces in Africa is clear and urgent — to mobilize our people and empower them to assert their inherent human dignity. This entails harnessing our rich resources for wealth creation, harnessing our intellectual potential for innovation, and asserting our presence as a formidable global force.

“The road to African redemption lies in unity, collective action, and a resolute determination to reshape our narrative from one of victimhood to one of empowerment. In the pursuit of unity and cultural cooperation, we must also champion ideals of peace, egalitarianism, and harmonious coexistence.

“Our Yoruba heritage teaches us the importance of community, and we must extend that sense of community to the global stage. Let us endeavour to create a world where racial biases and discrimination are relics of the past, replaced by genuine respect and appreciation for our diverse identities.”

He called for a robust synergy between states in Nigeria’s South West to fully harness the potentials of unity that will secure a blistering future for the region in social and economic emancipation.

The immediate past Minister remarked that: “During my tenure as the Governor of Osun State, we recognized the importance of embracing and honouring our traditional religious practices. We initiated the practice of granting holidays to Yoruba Traditional worshippers every August 20th—a day celebrated as Isese Day. This momentous decision was a powerful testament to our commitment to unity and cultural inclusivity.

“Today, it warms my heart to share that this initiative has garnered support beyond Osun State. Lagos, Oyo, and Ogun have joined hands to commemorate Isese Day, recognizing the profound significance of our traditional religious practices. It is a testament to the power of unity and the impact of collective efforts. As we celebrate this achievement, let us also extend an open invitation to Ondo and Ekiti, encouraging them to join in this celebration of cultural heritage and unity.

“As we celebrate the unity achieved through Isese Day, let us also extend a heartfelt invitation to Ondo and Ekiti. Joining the ranks of Osun, Lagos, Oyo, and Ogun would be a powerful symbol of our collective dedication to preserving our cultural heritage and strengthening our ties. Together, we can inspire a wave of unity that resonates across the Yoruba world.

“The journey to unity and cooperation starts within our hearts and minds. It is incumbent upon us to embrace the diversity within our Yoruba identity, acknowledging the myriad expressions of our culture while recognizing the common threads that bind us. Through intercultural dialogues, art exchanges, and collaborative projects, we can celebrate our distinctiveness while amplifying our collective strength,” Aregbesola concluded.