Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has been honoured with an award of excellence by Ondo State government.
The award was presented on Thursday to Aregbesola by the State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu during an event held at the Ondo State Cultural Centre.
Presenting the award to Aregbesola, Governor Akeredolu who was represented at the occasion by his Chief of Staff, Gbenga Ale, lauded the Minister’s efforts at promoting the culture of Yoruba race, especially during his tenure as the Governor of Osun State between 2010 and 2018.
Akeredolu said the belief of Aregbesola in cultural renaissance and his efforts at promoting the culture of the Yoruba race made him eminently qualified for the award.
The Ondo State governor who is the chairman, South West Governors Forum while speaking through the organizers of the award, said the award presented to Aregbesola was premised on the elevation of the Yoruba anthem by the Aregbesola’s administration in Osun State to the status of state anthem, promotion of the Omoluabi ethos and promotion of human rights and giving equal recognition to the three major religions in the state during his administration in Osun State.
He, therefore charged the Minister not to relent in his efforts at promoting the Yoruba cultural values, just as he assured that Ondo State will ensure that the Yoruba culture is not relegated to the background.
In his response, Aregbesola described culture as the hallmark of human existence, saying, knowledge, virtue and productivity clearly define culture.
The Minister who stressed the need for the development of Yoruba culture, said the Yoruba race is blessed with valuable culture and tradition.
Recognising the high premium placed on Yoruba culture outside the shore of the country, Aregbesola said if the various cultural heritage and tourist centres in Yoruba land are well developed, they will be of tremendous economic benefits to the country.
He therefore made case for cultural renaissance, even as he urged the people to change their orientation and belief about culture.
The Minister who also hailed the Ondo State Governor !for his belief in Yoruba culture which culminated in the adoption of the Yoruba anthem as the state’s anthem.
Describing Akeredolu as a liberal person, Aregbesola said Ondo Governor has shown him love and enthusiasm, adding that the Governor is not antagonistic in any way.
He said “Governor Akeredolu is a liberal and understanding politician who believes in Yoruba nation. This is evident in the adoption of Yoruba anthem as the official anthem of the state. The Governor is a good ambassador of the Yoruba race.”
