Kwara govt hails traditional rulers’ unwavering support to education, culture
The Kwara State Government has lauded traditional rulers’ significant contributions to education and culture.
The commendation was made by Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, the State Commissioner for Communications, during the presentation of recognition letters to notable monarchs, including the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahya Abolaji Mohammed Atoloye Alebiosu, and the Elesie of Esie, Oba Yakub Ibrahim Babalola.
Represented by Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olukoju highlighted the monarchs’ roles as cultural ambassadors of the state.
She remarked on their critical involvement in the success of the GLOCALISE Education Project, which took place in Ajase-Ipo last year, stressing that their contributions were crucial for the project’s achievements.
The Commissioner further urged the youth to embrace traditional knowledge and skills, emphasizing the importance of modernizing local industries and enabling traditional crafts to serve as economic opportunities, noting that a strong understanding of cultural values is vital for cultivating responsibility, leadership, and integrity within the community.
The ceremony also featured Mr. Taye Odedeji, the UNESCO Desk Officer, who praised the monarchs for their support of grassroots initiatives and for mobilizing trainees for upcoming workshops, furthering UNESCO’s visibility in the state. Meanwhile, Prof. Nafisat Adedokun-Shittu, convener of the Gown, Town, and Crown (GTC) project, reiterated the critical role of traditional rulers in human capital development, positioning Kwara as a leader in innovative educational strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Olupo of Ajase-Ipo expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his dedication to cultural heritage. He pledged continued support for education and cultural initiatives, recognizing the GLOCALISE project’s potential for statewide development. Similarly, the Elesie of Esie commended the efforts of the governor’s administration in fostering cultural and educational growth, promising ongoing support for future endeavors.
The commendation letters, signed by Dr. Olagunju Idowu, Secretary General of the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO, acknowledged the monarchs’ substantial contributions to promoting intercultural learning and heritage in Kwara State.
