You are here: HomeNewsRegional2023 05 23Article 657203

Regional News of Tuesday, 23 May 2023

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Heritage sites: Gov Adeleke eulogies UNESCO for approving new sites in Osun

As part of the efforts of Osun State Government to bring Yoruba cultural heritage sites to limelight and world standard, the state governor, Ademola Adeleke has appreciated the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO for recommending four of its sites as national monument and to become world heritage sites.

The governor gave the commendation during the inspection to the tourist sites located in Ile-Ife.

The sites include; Quardrangle buildings which consist of about sixteen buildings inside Obafemi Awolowo University Ile ife; Ifa Temple; Opa Oranmiyan Grove and Shrine and Olumirin water fall, Erin-Ijesha.

The visitation team comprised of the Curator, National Museums Village, Ile-Ife, Ogunmola Nathaniel, the Coordinating Director, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Solabomi Akinsola, Executive Secretary, Council for Art and Culture, Solape Abolarin and other management staff of the Ministry, including Council and Tourism Board among others.

Governor Adeleke, who spoke through the Coordinating Director of Culture and Tourism Ministry, Solabomi Akinsola said the people of the state appreciated UNESCO for approving the sites as national monument.

"Osun residents will be more grateful if the sits are declared as world Heritage sites. The State Government will do everything possible to ensure the sites meet up with the UNESCO standard.

"I assure the Commission that the state will not undermine the privilege given to her."

While speaking, the Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Adebayo Bamire appreciated UNESCO for recognising the institution, while promising that the university will abide by the rules guiding the site to meet up with the standard.

Responding, Ogunmola Nathaniel, recalled that work had started on it since the year 2021.

He explaining that, there are procedures to be follow, like taking the measurement, photographs of the sites, and educating the custodians to preserve the naturality of the sites, including the structures.

In a similar development, the team proceeded to Ifa Temple, in company of Professor Adisa Ogunfolakan, who is the Director AG Leventis Museum of Natural History.

Prof. Ogunfolakan enjoined the Ifa priests to ensure they do not miss the great privilege given by UNESCO.

In his speech, the Araba Awo of Ifa Temple, Aworeni Awodokun, who was represented by his Deputy, Awosetan Awotunde appreciated the team and UNESCO for the opportunity bestowed on them.

The traditionalists promised to obey all instructions so as not to miss the chance of the temple becoming a world heritage site.

The team had also visited the Opa Oranmiyan Grove and shrine in Ile-Ife.




FI