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Resources Events CBCIU CELEBRATES THE ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH
On Friday, 17th of February, 2023, the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, celebrated the annual Black History Month. The event themed; Get Up, Stand Up, Stand Up for your Rights, aligns with the globally adopted theme for the year 2023; Black Resistance.
Dr. Saheed Amusa during the delivery of the lecture
The event was marked with paper presentations by renowned scholars of African Studies woven around the theme, while there were also cultural performances and Dances. Scholars who made paper presentations include Dr. Senayon Olaoluwa and Dr. Sola Olorunyomi, both of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan. Others are; Dr. Saheed Amusa Balogun, the Head of the Department of History, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife; and Dr. Temitope Fagunwa of the Department of History and International Studies, Osun State University.
The event which was held at the Fela-Kuti Hall of the Centre had in attendance members of Staff of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Osun State Tourism Board, Osun State Art Community, and other distinguished members of the public.
cross section of the participants at the Seminar
It is against this background that Fela came to play an important role. By the time his music career took a shift, basing them on an anti-establishment posture, these songs became an avenue of expression of Pan-Africanism and an antidote to the crisis of neocolonialism. Fela’s music, according to Fagunwa, targetted the international capitalist countries and their agents, institutions and structures as well as members of the African petit-bourgeois ruling class. In International Thief Thief released in 1979, Fela pointed out the ‘nefarious’ activities carried out by these groups and exposed the corrupt relationship that existed between them. He also waxed several anti-imperialists. In an unreleased album titled Movement against Second Slavery (MASS), Fela presented this song against the forces of neocolonialism.The speakers reiterated the need for Africans to take pride in their culture and enjoined governments and policy makers across all levels to always look inward for African Development, stressing that no nation can attain sustainable development without integrating its culture into its national plans.
You are here: Home Resources Events NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON RELIGION AND NATIONAL SECURITY
Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, Director, CBCIU during the delivery of his welcome address
You are here: Home Resources Events A National Colloquium in Memory of Oba Adetoyese Laoye I, The Timi of Ede (1946-1975)
At the National Colloquium organized in honour of the memories of John Adetoyese Laoye 1, by the Center for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), Osogbo. The event which was held on zoom, had traditional rulers, historians and scholars from different parts of the world in attendance and the focus was “The life and legacies of Timi Adetoyese Laoye 1; 45 years after”. Renowned professor of history, Toyin Falola moderated the session.
In his opening remark, the Chairman of the Center, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola described the late monarch as a promoter of culture, adding the he dedicated his life to the service to humanity. Oyinlola said Oba Adetoyese spirit of Culture and Arts illuminated both the young, old, African culture experts and western cultural apologists who appreciates the essence of culture .
“In his path to upholding the culture, Oba Adetoyese consistently supported individual and groups ambition on matters related to the culture and arts of Yoruba land especially in drum, music, festival, and entertainment.
“The relationship between Oba Adetoyese Laoye and the German culture experts – Ulli Beier is a vivid example. As the Regional Tutor for the Extramural Studies programme of the University College, Oba Adetoyese welcomed Ulli Beier into Ede community. Between 1951 and 1954 which marked the period of the inter – personal life – long relationship, Oba Laoye shows Ulli Beier the true beauty and power of African cultures and Arts. It is on record that Timi Laoye had very close interactions with Ulli Beier, and a relationship which was mutually beneficial.” the presenterIn his address, the Royal Host, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Timi of Ede said the late Oba Laoye laid foundation for the development of Ede that everyone is enjoying today.
The Monarch said Oba Laoye’s record as the first educated monarch in the old Oyo province is an attestation that the late King was an embodiment of intellects as he attended several conferences both within and outside Nigeria.
According to Professor Siyan Oyeweso, the Executive Director of CBCIU, the late monarch combined royalty with culture as he lived for the promotion of Yoruba culture and tradition. He said the center will continue to identify great Nigerian men and women who have in the past dedicated their lives for the advancement of African culture.
He said, “Given the corpus of his publications and academic engagements, there is certainly no doubt that Timi Adetoyese Laoye I was an intellectual monarch. His published works have remained indispensable roadmap for scholars of African Studies and the bedrock of many masters’ dissertations and Ph.D. theses. He was a practical man of letters, a man who lived his thoughts. He was an avid participant in many international conferences with focus on the deepening of African culture and civilization. He was a gift of the 19th and 20 century and the contemporary society. We urge our contemporary traditional rulers to emulate his best practices in education, professionalism and mentoring of young monarchs, artistes, scholars. “The bane of traditional institution today is that many of the rulers are yet to fully grasp the essence of history. When people are looking for relevance and upward mobility in life, they use history as the platform. When they have attained the Olympian height of their choice, they abandon history. A word is enough for the wise.” Oyeweso called on the governments at various levels to ensure they use culture promotion for national integration and development. Also speaking at the webinar, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abobarin described the the late Timi Laoye as a man with great vision for the development of his kingdom.
He said every developments in terms of education, economy and social amenities have their roots dated back to the era of Oba Laoye. “Whatever you see in terms of education development, economic, social amenities and others have their roots dated back to the era of Timi Laoye. They are not products of the immediate.” Oba Abobarin said. Oba Abobarin also called on Yoruba communities to checkmate the excess of any monarch who is derailing from the traditional norms, adding that “people have power to checkmate any misbehaving monarch. They enthrone and if need be, can dethrone any erring Monarch.” Foremost Yoruba Veteran Actor, Chief Adedeji Aderemi popularly called Olofa Ina narrated the life history of Oba Laoye. The Chief Sobaloju of Ede told the gathering that Oba Laoye was born Muslim but converted to Christianity, making him a man with knowledge from both sides. He said the dressing style of the late Timi was royal and he was a man with large heart to accommodate every views.
Among those who delivered papers at the event are Professors Tunde Lawuyi, Jelili Ojuade, Oyeronke Olademo and Ahmed Yerima. Others are Professor Olutayo Adesina, Chief Muraina Oyelami and Dr Zacchaeus Olupaimo.
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You are here: Home Resources Events A National Colloquium in Memory of Alhaji Maitama SULE (1929-2017)
The Board of Trustees, Management and Staff of Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), Osogbo, over the weekend, precisely on August 22, 2020, held the second edition of its Webinar Colloquium aimed at celebrating eminent Nigerians that have impacted positively on Nigerian history, culture and national development.
The Webinar in memory of Late Nigerian Nationalist,where Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule was described as a unique, exceptional and revered statesman, who used everything he had during his lifetime to promote unity among Nigerians and prosperity of the country. This was made known by scholars, historians and associates of the late Dan Masanin of Kano during a National Colloquium organized by the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo on Saturday. The colloquium, which was held virtually through zoom, had in attendance scholars drawn from different Institutions across the country, former diplomats and associates of Maitama Sule. Former Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. AbdulRahman Dambazau chaired the event, while Registrar of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede was the moderator. In his opening remark, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of CBCIU, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola said Maitama Sule was a foremost Nationalist, politician of repute, intellectual orator and a consummate diplomat, adding that he became the emblem of hope and aspiration as Nigeria faced diverse challenges.
Extolling the legacies of Maitama Sule further, Oyinlola said, “Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule stood against military dictatorship and all forms of misgovernance, and ultimately stood for peace and unity of Nigeria. No wonder, he’s fondly called the geniuse orator and the golden voice by reason of his oratory prowess, where he laid emphasis on his greatest dream for Nigeria among leagues of nations.” address, the Executive Director of CBCIU, Professor Siyan Oyeweso said the centre has continued to recognize the hard work, dedication and truth of noble Nigerians with the intention of re-orentating younger generations.
Speaking on the choice of Maitama Sule, the University Don said the worthy legacies and invaluable contributions of the honouree are what attracted the centre. “The choice of Alhaji Maitama Sule is predicated on the Centres entrenched efforts at extending its frontiers to other parts of Nigeria where outstanding individuals with sterling qualities and invaluable legacies are singled out for celebration. Without gainsaying, Alhaji Maitama Sule eminently qualify for such honour. It is for this reason that I celebrate with all Nigerians, the people of Kano and the family of the great Nigerian we are celebrating today whose impact on the unity and progress of our dear country remain indelible. “The late Maitama Sule was a widely known figure across the length and breadth of the country and cast a very respectable personality within the international community. He was at different times a politician, diplomat and elderly statesman who used his rich experience for the progress and to stir national development for our great country. the presenterAlhaji Yusuf Maitama Sules life and times is replete with important lessons and legacies worthy of emulation for contemporary Nigeria youths.” He said. .
Lakemfa described the late Chief whip of House of Representatives as a man with good quality of leadership, a bridge builder and cultural promoter, who excelled at both national and international assignments. The Chairman of the event, Dambazau called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of patriotism and leadership qualities exhibited by the Sule. In her contribution, the Director of Gender Studues, Bayero University, Kano, Prof. Aisha Abdul-Ismail said, “For me the lessons from Danmasani’s life and speeches is on the breakdown of the family institution, respect for elders and constituted authority. The family is the nucleus of the society and the feeder of the society where the values of respect, justice, leadership, teamwork, cooperation, kindness and fairness. “His ability to speak truth to power should be emulated by other elders and those that have the opportunity to do so. He used every opportunity to stress the significance of justice and qualities of leadership for a united Nigeria.
Others are Amb. Fatima Bala Abubakar, Former Ambassador to Botswana and Chairperson, National Governing Board of NYSC; Prof. Abdulkadir Adamu, Department of History, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Dr. Bashir Kurfi, Director, Network for Justice, Kaduna.
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You are here: Home Resources Events A Third Of Artworks In Bayreuth Museums Are From Africa
Passionate about art, Dr. Ulf Vierke, Director, Iwalewahaus, Germany, is committed to making sure that artworks are properly preserved for posterity. Despite his tight schedules, the Iwalewahaus boss made out time to be at the unveiling of Ulli Beier Archives and Duro Ladipo Museum both situated in the premises of the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), Osogbo, Osun State.
The two facilities are not only important landmarks for Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), Osogbo, Osun State, but are the nexus of happening in Iwalewahaus Germany. Thrilled by the proficiency of Nigerian artists, Vierke said Nigerian art is not only powerful, but also intelligent. He added that it is a unique combination of the structured and sophisticated thoughts of Nsukka School of modern art rooted in the Igbo culture and the Osogbo School rooted in the Yoruba culture.
According to the curator, Nigerian art is a source of inspiration and energy for art movement, and art culture across the globe, saying Nigerian art is going to be one of the big players in the global scene. He observed that this is going to be influenced by two factors – the existing art tradition and the modern art, which dates back to over 60 years.
According to him, there is this rich history of classical art like the Ife and Benin arts, which exist alongside the emerging art scene from the 1960 to date. “When it comes to the arts, Nigeria is like a continent. There is a vibrant group of young and educated artists in the country that is the strength. Some of them do not have the prerequisite academic background, but they know what they are doing,” he said.
Convinced that Nigerians have the ability to preserve their works despite the nation’s poor technology, the art and culture maven who also visited some of the traditional rulers in the state and saw the locals’ raw art, observed that before modern technology was introduced, a lot of artworks were already preserved in the palaces. Taking a mental calculation of some of the artworks he saw in the palaces of some of the traditional rulers, he said some of them date back to hundreds of years. According to him, some of the artworks include the beaded crown, statues, carvings, the architecture, among others, which have been preserved for the present generation to see. Regretting that most of these artworks are in the hands of families and individuals, Vierke noted that the vital point is the value that is drawn to these works, saying it is the value that gives art its strength when it comes to the surface.
He stressed that preserving an art piece is not about museum techniques, but the respect and understanding of the item. According to him, technology helps, but it comes to play more on the side of the editing and making the artworks accessible in different format. As part of his contribution to the development of the Nigerian arts and culture, and the two facilities in CBCIU, Vierke partnered other German African art lovers to put over 20,000 photographs taken by Ulli Beier while in Osogbo in film format.
Commenting on the project, he disclosed that Ulli Beier founded the Iwalewahaus (Iwalewa House) in 1981. The institute, which today is a part of the University of Bayreuth, embraced some of the ethos of Ulli Beier aside engaging in research, exhibition, teaching, collecting and taking care of archive, providing residencies for artists as well as presenting, recent developments in contemporary African and Diaspora culture in refined form. “Iwalewahaus has become part of German culture. The idea came from Osogbo and it continues to Germany. The focus of the House is on visual arts, everyday culture, the media and music,” he said. Revealing that the House would in 2021 celebrate its 40th anniversary, the director noted any artist that wants to know more about some of the collections in the facility would have to come to Nigeria to see what their teachers did.
According to him, such people will have to know where the ideas they are fascinate about came from, adding that there is quite a number of Nigerian artworks from the 1960s to 1980s there. He disclosed that the works might not be the extreme artworks, saying they are mostly in sketches, drawings and paper works that tell Nigerian art history. Comparing the quantity of artworks in the CBCIU to that in Iwalewahaus, the director reveled that Iwalewahaus has more works because the ideas behind the two establishments are different. He said: “The idea behind the establishment of CBCIU is broader and art and culture-based, while Iwalewahaus is only trying to narrow the idea down to modern art. So, we are complementing CBCIU.”
Vierke said he was not only in Osogbo for the unveiling of the two facilities, but to also exhibit in digital format, the over 20,000 photographs Beier took when he was around. He disclosed that despite the over 60 years period the pictures were taken, they still look good and wonderful to behold. According to the Iwalewahaus director,”there are over 20,000 of the pictures, which have been made into small and middle size formats. We have only digitised about 98 per cent of the photo collection and have brought them to Osogbo, but we believe CBCIU can use this project to tell the history of Osogbo’s arts and culture to the people. The collection also dealt on a number of artists or individuals that have been active in Osogbo art; so, it gives faces to the ideas behind art history in Osogbo. It is wonderfully illustrated and gives depth to what we are.
“Our idea with CBCIU is to exchange programmes and exhibitions in future. So, I would love to see the art collection of the centre grow in the next five years,” he noted. Vierke disclosed that art and culture is a huge business and called on artists, art collectors and even governments to take advantage of the global market and reposition themselves to invest in the sector. He observed that investment in arts and culture is the best investment anyone can think of because it deals on a nation’s or groups identity, aside highlighting events and enticing people to embark on tours.
“Art connects one to culture, history and the future. It gives you the idea of what the future would be like. We need art to push our boundaries of thought. The art and artist could come inform of authors, poets, playwrights, design and designers, among others. Art and artists are important in the society,” he said. On returning some of the African arts taken from Africa during the colonial period to Africa, Vierke disclosed that one-third of the artworks in Bayreuth museums are not from Poland or Germany or any other country in Europe, saying such works might have come from Nigeria, Kenya or any country in Africa. He stressed that the issue with returning the works is the case of which African country to artiste of take them to because they do no have specific country of origin, even though some of them will be really good to be in African museums.
A graduate of African Studies, Vierke, the fifth director of Iwalewahaus, developed interest in museums because of his love for artworks. According to him, handling different artworks has exposed him to different cultures and people. He said: “I am not an artist, I cannot create, but can only appreciate. The museums give me the space to see different artworks, appreciate them and come closer to other people’s culture. And working in a museum as a director, I come in contact with different artworks; I see and feel them with my hands. I can feel their weights, smell them and turn them around. They bring me closer to real artworks. And another thing you have to do with the works is to encounter and dialogue with works. Sitting and taking stock of artworks is boring; so, taking photo of art works, measuring it and turning it around 100 times you build a relationship around it. This on its own gives one a different level of understanding the artwork,” he said.
Culled from: Guardian Newspaper
Photograph : CBCIU
You are here: Home Resources Events RELIGIOUS IDENTITY AND INTER-FAITH RELATIONS IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA, CBCIU OSOGBO
One of the cardinal objectives of CBCIU is to “give greater recognition to cultural diversity and to intellectual dialogue including its interreligious component in order to reinforce social cohesion in Nigeria’s pluralistic society and beyond.” South-west Nigeria has well-established Muslim and Christian communities as well as traditional religious culture which continues to be of international interest. Despite this religious diversity, and unlike other parts of the country, the Yoruba-speaking communities of Nigeria have experienced only low levels of religious conflict.
The workshop is a collaboration between the Knowing Each Other Project (Department of African Studies and Anthropology (DASA) University of Birmingham, UK, Osun State University) and Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding Osogbo.
The workshop will discuss the findings of the first large-scale survey on religious identification in Yorubaland since 1963, carried out by the Knowing Each Other Project, with religious stakeholders, traditional rulers, and general public. The discussion of our survey findings will serve several purposes, including
Venue : Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding , Osogbo , Nigeria
Date: Thursday, 29thh September, 2016
R.S.V.P
Prof. Insa Nolte, University of Birmingham
+44 121 247 4431
Prof. Olukoya Ogen, Osun State University
+234 805 742 0702
Mr. David Shaba, CBCIU, Osogbo
+234 809 956 8253
You are here: Home Resources Events CONFERENCE ON POETRY AND PERFORMANCE IN THE INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE
The Theme of the conference was: Poetry Performance in Nigeria. It was held 12th to 15th Dec 2012 at CBCIU Conference Hall in Osogbo, Osun State.Karin Barber, the keynote speaker, stayed throughout the duration of the conference; so did notable Nigerian poets like Niyi Osundare, Femi Osofisan, Odia Ofeimun, Remi Raji and Lanrewaju Adepoju. Notable indigenous (folk) performers included a Hausa poet from Sokoto, Ifayemi Eleburuibon, Alabi Ogundepo, Jaigbade Alao (a dadakuada muisican) from Ilorin, Sango of Africa, Gbonka Ebiri and a troupe from Ghana. Paper presenters came from all over Nigeria.
Professor Karin Barber, Centre of West African Studies, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom was the Chair of the conference and more than thirty academics from different Nigerian Universities. Most notable among whom were Femi Osofisan (academic and foremost Nigerian playwright), Niyi Osundare (academic and formost Nigerian poet), Odia Ofeimun (foremost Nigerian poet and social critic).
• The Significance of Cultural Space in Urhobo Oral Poetry Performance
• Playing Migrants and Performing Ownership: The Politics of Space in Ojaide’s Labyrinths of the Delta.
• Ija G’Ampene: Performing Playground Poetry in Agatuland.
• A Reflection on the Ife Poetry Festival
• What the images whisper to the words: The video performance poetry of Chuma Nwokolo
• Content and Performance of Traditional Yoruba Chants.
• Aesthetics of Performance: The Case of Okinba Launko’s Commemorations.
• Drum Speaks, Man Chants: An Aesthetic Evaluation of Selected Yoruba Poetry Performances.
• Aspects of Poetry in the Invocatory Segment of Efe Performance.
• Coded Communication in Ede Masquerade Performance in Oka Akoko, Southwestern Nigeria.
• Reinventing Poetry for its Survival: The Poetry of Akeem Lasisi
• Poetifact: Typology, Context, and Aesthetics of Poetry Performance in Nigerian Theatre.
• Creation and Recreation Processes in Yoruba Oral Poetry Performances.
• From Village Square to Digital Space: performance Poetry in Akeem Lasisi’s Wonderland.
• Perfomance by Ifayemi Elebuibon
• Performance in Ibibio Poetry: The Case of Uto.
• The Bride in Marketplace: Performance in Ilugbedjo Bridal Chants.
• Content, Context, and Performance in Ekute Songs of the Remo People of Ogun State.
• The Gospel According to Omokaro: Performance and Topicality in the Poetry of Emen Omokaro.
• Court Poetry Tradition and Performance in Oyo Kingdom of South Western Nigeria.
• Neo-Performance, Second Orality and African Poetics
• Poetifact: Typology, Context and Aesthetics of Poetry Performance in Nigerian Theatre
• Old Bride, new Tears: Progress Report on Revitalisation Efforts on the Yoruba Bridal Poetry, Ekun Iyawo
• “Thematic Dynamics in a Per formative Tradition: Idoma Alekwu Oral Poetry”
• Against Reading: A Performance Analysis of Remi Raji’s Lovesong”.
• Rotimi Omoyele Fasan, Osun State University, “The AlterNative Songs of Odamolugbe”
• Jendele Hungbo, University of the Witswaterstrand, “Poetic Vision and a New Episteme in Yedenou Adjahoui’s “Nusisi”
• Functions of Ogu Gospel Songs
• In Praise of the Oral Poetic Word : Negotiating the Intertextual Dialogue Between Tiv Swange and Recent Nigerian Poetic Performance
• Nine over Seven :Preliminary Comments Toward a Typology of Gu Oral Praise Poetry
You are here: Home Resources Events GLOBAL CONFERENCE OF BLACK NATIONALTIES
In line with UNESCO’s belief in and sponsorship of intellectual exchange and dialogue among cultures as the best prospects for peace, the 1st Global Conference of Black Nationalities is a clarion call for global peace and international understanding of the Black Race, through Culture and Heritage. Therefore, the conference was an invitation to the participants – black intelligentsia, non-black academics, as well as, the global vanguard of culture to “Come BACK HOME” to re-examine the PAST, evaluate the PRESENT and strategically look into the FUTURE of a RICH HERITAGE – the Black Heritage.
As a result, participants were exposed to and will had an equally fulfilling opportunity of knowing more about the black race while appreciating cultural differences among the various peoples of the world with a view to promoting global understanding.
The Conference of Black Nationalities was held a time that Africa, African descendants, black people from across the globe were being encouraged to achieve more and to take a grasp of their fate and future. The 1st Global Conference of Black Nationalities took a cultural and mutual understanding perspective to help accomplish its major objective through inter-cultural and religious dialogues. The Conference reinforced UNESCO’s role and efforts to promote and encourage reciprocal knowledge of culture, ethnicity, language and religion as a means for sustainable development and the proffering of plausible solutions.
MODALITIES: The 1st Global Conference of Black Nationalities took a critical look at the positive potentials of open discussions to understand the culture and heritage of Africa as a means to understanding and embracing the Black Race. It is aimed at promoting a dialogue on the African Diaspora: Identification and Mobilization towards a common agenda of elevating the Black Race and Africa. By so doing, it will serve as a major contribution to UNESCO’s events and programmes for 2010 and beyond, as they impact the Black Race/Africa, particularly:
• The celebration of the United Nations International Year for Rapprochement of Cultures – 2010, the objectives of which are similar to those of the Conference.
• UNESCO’s International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. By starting the Conference on August 23rd, 2010 with its attendant opening ceremonies/speeches, the conference contributed to the objectives of the annual international day fixed for August 23rd.
• It enlightened the world about the Osun-Osogbo Festival – a UNESCO classified World Heritage site – and its cultural ceremonies as a tourist attraction. Participants at the conference had a first hand experience as they participated in the year 2010 edition of the festival.
AREAS OF DISCUSSIONS:
• Governance and Leadership.
• The Leadership Role of Black Women in the society
• Tourism Development: Cultural Tourism and Ecological Tourism.
• Slavery: History, Challenges, Opportunities and the Future.
• The history and impact and influence of Black Culture in modern societies
• The African Diaspora: Identification and Mobilization towards a common agenda.
• Sustainable Development
OTHER KEY EVENTS INCLUDED:
• Access to and/or Participation in the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival
• Access to and/or Participation in an Exhibition of Black Arts and Culture from across the globe
• Performances by different Black/African performers and cultural troupes, including film shows
• Visits to different ancient monuments in Ile-Ife, as well as, visits to historic and sacred groves/monuments that make Osun State the cradle of the Black Race
• Interactions and Press access to representatives of the African Traditional Institutions.
• Interaction with visiting dignitaries from several nations and corporate leaders for investment and economic development.
• Tours of other tourist attractions in adjoining locations to Osun State
• Special reception by His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade (the Spiritual Head of the Yoruba Race) at the Royal Palace.
OUTCOMES AND CONTRIBUTION:
The outcomes and contributions of the Conference include the following:
• Contribute to the global soul-searching given globalization and the “new” expectations of the Black Race for more prominent contributions.
• Development of a database of participants and resources to be shared and used to galvanize and stimulate peace through collaboration, networking and resource sharing
• Encourage efforts towards the re-evaluation of the heritage of the black race
• Stimulate actions towards the reduction of the digital divide that impacts the black race
• Development of a Youth Agenda for the preservation of a Rich Heritage
• Development of a Women Agenda for Leadership, Governance and Sustainability
• Development of Africa’s Tourism Sector: Attraction of foreign participants for Economic and Infrastructure development and implementation
RESULTS, FOLLOW-UP STRATEGIES AND SUSTAINABILITY:
The conference discussed modalities for effecting changes in perception of African culture by associating its positive influence with home grown development. It also inspired a renewed consciousness for Africans and Africans in the Diaspora to seize opportunities in their cultural endowments for development. To arrive at these, the organizers are following up on outcomes by:
• Arranging for sustaining the Conference to continually evoke intellectual discussions and themes around the subject among nations. This would develop Culture-Tourism in Osun State and eventually in Africa and continue to nourish a socio-economic agenda to elevate the Black Race and Africa.
• Partnership and technical assistance are being sought from UNESCO to engage and consult with government on applicability; as well as global Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) towards the sustainability of its contributions to the conference and other activities of CBCIU
• Creation of an interactive web-site (with blog), based on the conference outcomes, to encourage communications amongst alumni.
The Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), Osogbo, was set up in 2009, with the administrative building officially commissioned on January 7, by Koichuro Matsuura, the then Director-General of UNESCO
