The Lagos State deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has called for concerted efforts to preserve African cultural values in the face of western influence.

Mr Hamzat made the call at the prayer session and dedication of the new Egbe Chieftancy Palace, Iga-Idunganran, Lagos Island, on Sunday.

The Egbe of Lagos Chieftancy, also a member of the Lagos Traditional White Cap Chiefs, are kingsmakers and political leaders of the community.

The deputy governor encouraged traditional rulers, chiefs and parents, especially, to uphold cultural values by teaching and encouraging their children to speak their native language.

“Our values and interactions with the western world have really influenced our culture; therefore, we must strive to know and promote who we are as Africans.

“In our various homes, most of our children cannot speak our diverse languages; even our culture and traditions are going to extinction.

“Therefore, we need to let our language be known to our children. Let them understand who we are as Africans.

“We are not western people. We are Africans and therefore, our African culture and language must be preeminent.

“If you do not know or understand yourself, you will be lost. So, as a people, let us wake up and embrace our cultural values,” he said.

Mr Hazmat further stated that the state government had embarked on various programmes and policies that would preserve the culture, language and tradition of the people as well as ensure that they were passed on to future generations.

He commended the Egbe of Lagos, AbdulRafiu Olusi, for taking the initiative to regenerate and redevelop the palace to achieve the purposeful goal of unifying the people.

He said, “Regeneration, as we all know, is important and as we are regenerating, we are improving the lives of our children for a better tomorrow.”

In his remarks, Mr Olusi said the significance of the project was to provide a meeting point for the Egbe sons and daughters at home and abroad.

According to him, it is also to provide accommodations for the local population and promote mutual understanding among them.

Earlier in his word of exhortation, Imam Moshood Sanusi urged leaders and people in positions of authority to serve with the fear of God, noting that there is no one greater than Allah.

The cleric said that the fear of God was important to govern a nation to greatness.

“We need to honour God because whoever honours Him shall be honoured.

“No man is in a position because of his knowledge or understanding, but by the grace of Allah, that has chosen him/her to be there.

“It is, therefore, important for people in positions or as leaders to serve with the fear of God and be fair to humanity,” he said.

(NAN)