We’ll work with communities to promote Kwara’s cultural values: Govt

The Kwara State Government has reiterated its readiness to work with communities to promote the state’s cultural values and enhance its tourism potentials.

The state Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Abosede Olaitan Buraimoh, said this during the year 2021 edition of Awon Mass Wedding Cultural Festival in Shao,  Moro Local Government Area of the state.

Awon Mass Wedding is one of the prominent festivals celebrated in Kwara during which  young girls of marriageable age in the community are given out in marriage all at once.

Buraimoh, who described the festival as one of the vast cultures and traditions that make Kwara State a site for tourist destination, emphasised that the festival provides a platform for showcasing, promoting and preserving the State’s rich cultural heritage.

Highlighting some of Governor Abdulraman AbdulRazaq’s efforts towards promoting the cultural values of the state, Buraimoh stated that, “alot of projects such as the ongoing construction of Ilorin Museum and Gardens and the Visual Arts Centre are geared towards enlivening the industry of our cultural heritage”.

She hinted that the state government is putting in efforts to accord the Awon Mass Wedding Cultural Festival the desired attention it deserves in  order to bring it into international recognition.

The Commissioner also promised that “the state government is ready to work with communities to the fullest with a view to ensuring that our artists and other stakeholders are empowered from the tourism industry”.

Buraimoh enjoined people of the state to take part in the cultural activities of their respective communities and uphold positive traditional values, customs and practices as this will help in the preservation of our culture.

“We should ensure that our children and grandchildren are also adequately socialized in our cultures for purposes of effective transmission to future generations”, she stated.

She congratulated the Ohoro of Shao, His Royal Highness Oba  Bamidele Alabi Adegbite (Oyerinde 111),  his Chiefs and the people of Shao Community on the special day while she wished all the maidens a blissful marital life.

Earlier in his welcome address, the President, Shao Community Development Association, Arc David Ayo Bello, who was represented by Elder Awonshola Abel Adewole, described the uniqueness of the Awon Mass Wedding Festival as an age-long event that is embedded in mythical activities as well as value and aesthetic cultural event.

He appreciated Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for supporting the year 2021 edition of the celebration while he also thanked him for tarring a road in Shao.

The president also appreciated the Commissioner for Communications for the touch of honour and support she has brought to the Awon Mass Wedding Festival.

The event featured the Yoruba bridal chant referred to as ‘Ekun Iyawo’ by the 42 maidens, music, dance, display of traditional attires and other cultural expressions.