The Aare Ona-Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has called on South-West governors to promote Yoruba culture and harness its tourist potential for economic growth and global recognition.

“We are fast losing our identity, even our children, it’s becoming difficult for them to speak the Yoruba language, and it’s becoming difficult to identify with our culture.

“Instead of them to identify with our culture, they promote Western culture, they have pride in it, and this is very dangerous.

“We need to start working on the promotion of culture and turn it to tourism potential and upgrade our destination so that the generation that is coming can be proud,” Mr Adams said.

Mr Adams said the promotion of the culture would turn Yoruba states into tourist destinations and enhance the rapid social and economic development of the area.

He made the call at the Grand Finale of `Omituntun’ Pacesetter Festival of Arts and Culture, tagged ‘Asa wa, Ipile wa,’ maintained that Yoruba was rich in culture and tradition.

The festival, held at the Cultural Centre, Mokola, Ibadan, was organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.

Mr Adams urged the Oyo government to develop and maintain existing tourist destinations for economic growth and global recognition.

Earlier, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, said the cultural festival aimed to rejuvenate and promote culture and talent hunt through cultural competition.

(NAN)