A former Nigerian President has emphasized the importance of celebrating indigenous culture, asserting that Yoruba is not vernacular but an authentic language that should be cherished. Speaking at an event honoring renowned female talking drum expert Ara, the former leader highlighted the need to embrace and respect cultural traditions.
“They even say Yoruba is vernacular. That is not right. Yoruba is Yoruba; it is authentic, and we must learn to celebrate what belongs to us because that is the authentic,” he stated.
The former President also spoke on religious tolerance, acknowledging the significance of traditional beliefs predating the arrival of Christianity and Islam. “I am a Christian. I have been to two churches today, but whoever says Ifa Orunmila is nothing must be a bloody fool because Orunmila has been with us before the advent of Christianity or Islam,” he said.
He lauded Ara for breaking cultural barriers, commending her as a global cultural ambassador. “Growing up, there were two things you would never see a woman doing: climbing a palm tree and drumming. But Ara, with her tenacity and focus, has broken this taboo. She is now known worldwide as a drummer,” he remarked.
The former leader noted that Ara’s success serves as a testament to preserving cultural heritage. “We now have a woman who can beat the drum better than the men. She is helping a lot to sustain our cultural heritage, and that is why I decided to celebrate her—to further encourage her to keep up the good work.”
He urged young people to draw inspiration from Ara’s story. “Whatever good your hands find to do, do it well, and I will celebrate you. The lesson here is that nothing is unimportant in any area of human endeavor.”
In her response, Ara expressed gratitude, describing the recognition as a cherished moment in her career. The Ondo State-born drummer revealed her battle with a life-threatening illness last year, which made her uncertain about celebrating her 50th birthday.
“This celebration is my way of returning praises to God, who preserved me and supported my rise to the global stage despite all odds,” she said.
The event served as a reminder of the importance of cultural preservation and the resilience required to break societal barriers.