A cultural anthropologist from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, Professor Karin Barber has reiterated the need to understand African cultural norms and values, adding that it is germane to understanding the diversification of humanity.
She made this assertion while delivering the maiden edition of Fountain University Distinguished University Lecture in Osogbo recently.
In her presentation titled: “African Popular Culture and Creative Innovations: Some Reflections on Yoruba Oral Poetry and Travelling Theatre in Osun State”, the first class anthropology don explained that understanding African cultural values and historical customs would help in having an appropriate reflection over the past as well as control on the present and future of the continent. She concluded that the diversified culture of the continent is a source of rich insight into the cultural resources of Africa.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Amidu Olalekan Sanni said the Distinguished University Lecture Series was put in place to improve the visibility of the university through an enhanced communal interface with the general society.
He said this would lead to improved revenue base through increased student enrolment, expanded networking, greater visibility, international collaboration, cutting-edge research and enhanced entrepreneurial activities.
Delivering the opening remarks, the Chairman of the FUO Board of Trustees, Alhaji Yinka Abdul Waheed Adeola expressed confidence that with the kind of the initiatives that the new management team is putting in place, the institution’s aim of graduating students that would be employers of labour is gradually being achieved.
He then advised the students to take the leadership component of their education more seriously as they are the leaders of tomorrow.
The royal father of the day, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Larooye II, the Ataoja of Osogboland, eulogised the appreciative work and in-depth research work of the guest lecturer and emphasized the need for more research work in cultural and traditional studies. This according to him, would help Africans in understanding our past so as to have more control over the present and the future.
Distinguished personalities present at the lecture include; Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdrasheed Olabomi, President, NASFAT Worldwide, Engr. Kamil Bolarinwa; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Fountain University, Alhaji Yinka AbdulWaheed Adeola, Chief Missioner NASFAT, Alhaji Ma’ruf AbdAzeez Onike.
Other dignitaries present include; Chairman, NASFAT BOT, Alhaji Abdul Lateef Wale Olasupo; Secretary, FUO BOT, Alhaji Yinka Yahya; Chairman, NASFAT Elders’ Council, Alhaji Y.O. Salisu; Chief Imam of Osogbo land; Sheikh Musa Rabiu Animashaun, representatives of the Vice Chancellors of UNIOSUN, Al-Hikmah University, Summit University and Obafemi Awolowo University amongst others.
