You are here: Home Resources Events CBCIU CELEBRATES FIFTY YEARS OF GERMANY IN THE UNITED NATIONS
CBCIU CELEBRATES FIFTY YEARS OF GERMANY IN THE UNITED NATIONS
Theme: Fifty years of Germany’s involvement in the United Nations.
Date: Monday, 18 September, 2023
On Monday, 18 September, 2023, the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, organised an International Colloquium to celebrate fifty years of Germany’s involvement in the United Nations.
The Anniversary Remark was delivered by the Consul General, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Lagos, Weert Borner LL.M, while the Welcome Address was given by the Director of the Centre, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso
Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, Director, CBCIU during the delivery of his welcome address
Weert Borner, Consul General of Germany during the delivery of his welcome address
The event was heralded with several paper presentations by renowned international scholars whose topics were woven around the theme, Fifty Years of Germany in the United Nations. Some of the scholars who read papers at the Colloquium include Prof. Femi Mimiko, a Professor of Comparative Economy and International Relations in the Department of Political Science, Obafemi Awolowo University. He spoke on the topic, Beyond the Narrowing Confines of the UN: Rethinking Germany’s Role in a Changing Global Order; Prof. Olutayo Adesina, Professor of History, University of Ibadan, who spoke on the topic, The Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Nations and the Shaping of a Conflict-Free Africa Agenda: A Historical Conjuncture; and Prof. Aderemi Ajala, Professor of African/Medical Anthropology and Development Studies, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Ibadan, who spoke on 50 Years of Germany’s Contributions to International Education in Nigeria.
Others include Dr. Muritala Monsuru of the Department of History and International Studies, University of Ibadan, on Germany and Refugees from the Arab World: Promoting Humanity and Integrating the Persecuted and Displaced; Dr. Dapo Thomas of the Department of History and International Studies, Lagos State University on Germany and the Price for Global Peace; and Dr. Oluwafunminiyi Raheem from the Osun State University who spoke on 50 Years of Strengthening the International Health Architecture: Examining Germany’s global vaccine initiative ACT-A in Africa.
You are here: Home Resources Events Communique’ presented at the End of the 2023 Annual Osun Osogbo Festival
COMMUNIQUE’ PRESENTED AT THE END OF THE 2023 ANNUAL OSUN OSOGBO FESTIVAL
Theme: Osun Osogbo Festival: The Past in the Living Present
Date: August 12, 2023
The One-Day Annual Celebration of the Osun Osogbo Festival organized by the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding on the occasion of the 2023 Osun Osogbo Festival, celebrated on August 11, 2023. The convener of the celebration on the platform of the center was Professor Siyan Oyeweso, Professor of History and Executive Director of CBCIU. The program was held at the Ulli Beier Auditorium, a Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding. The annual celebration under this platform incorporates both academic discourses and cultural evidence that illustrates the essence of Osun Osogbo as a Yoruba cultural, religious, and global identity.
HRM Oba Oyekanmi, Alasipa of Asipa
At the celebration, local and international participants arrived at the CBCIU Ulli Beier Auditorium on August 12, 2023. The celebration commenced with an elaborate opening introduction by the chairman and moderator of the celebration. The celebration was graced by the royal fathers among which include Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji – Ataoja of Osogbo who was ably represented by Olori Kafayat Oyetunji and the Ataoja Traditional Chiefs in Council; Alasipa of Asipa – Oba Muftau Wale Oyehan Oyekanmi Ilufemiloye Fasina VIII; Agbongbon of Osogbo – Chief Fakayode Faniyi, Iyalode Osogbo – Alhaja Chief Awawu Asindemade. Other dignitaries present include Mrs. Ajayi M.O, General Manager, Osun Tourism Board; Mrs. Toyin Ajayi, Mr. Obadare Ayodeji from the Osun-Osogbo Grove; Mr. M.O. Bashir from the National Museum, Osogbo. The event was also graced by distinguished academics among which include Dr. Saheed Amusa from the Department of History, Obafemi Awolowo University, Dr. Mutiat Oladejo of the Department of History, University of Ibadan, Dr. Awoyera F.E., Bown University, Iwo, Dr. Sarafa Balogun and rs. Dara of the Department of History and International Studies, Osun State University, Dr. Raheem Oluwafunminiyi of the Department of Tourism, Osun State University; Osun Osogbo religious adherents, traditional religion and cultural experts. The event also witnessed the presence of the press which included Vanguard; Punch; The Nation; Amiloaded Media Hub and Insights Media
At this celebration, two academic lectures were presented: one by Dr. Saheed Amusa, the Head of Department, Department of History, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and one by Lena Naumann, a curator and Junior Fellow at the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies. Dr. Saheed Amusa examines the Osun and the Contemporary Greatness of Osogbo: The Myth and the Realities, while Lena Naumann discusses the New Sacred Art Perspective on the works of Susanne Wenger and the Movement in the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Groove. The celebration also witnessed an address by Robin Campell titled “The Aduni Olorisha Trust and Aduni Osun Foundation: Committed to the Preservation and Performance of the Oso Osogbo Sacred Groove and New Sacred Art.”
Professor Siyan Oyeweso
All in all, the three academic papers presented interrogating the undiminishing role of Susanne Wenger in the emergence of the Osun Osogbo Groove. Susanne Wenger occupies a bridge that links the traditional and contemporary worship, religious identity, and cultural identity of Osun Osogbo. The discussion also established the realities and position of Osun in the contemporary global and national identities of Osogbo. At the end of the celebration, the following positions and conclusions were reached, among others:1. That Osun Osogbo festival is an embodiment of the totality of Yoruba cultural and religious identity and richness. 2. That the primacy of Osun Osogbo in traditional and contemporary religious celebration across Yoruba land is historically established, culturally supported, and entrenched in Yoruba’s identity Susanne Wenger enjoys primacy in Osun Osogbo history as religious, spiritual, and cultural links 3. That the greatest legacy that Susanne Wenger bequeathed to the entire world is the worship and identity of the Osun Osogbo festival. 4. That annual celebration of the Osun Osogbo festival, which featured the roles of traditional rulers, religious leaders, cultural experts, and the people, shows that Osun Osogbo and Yoruba cultural and religious identity remain sacrosanct. 5. That Susanne Wenger played key roles in the revitalization years of the Osun Osogbo Groove, and the Aduni Olorisha Trust-Aduni Osun Foundation has continued to play a significant role in upholding the legacy of Susanne Wenger and the identity of the Osun Osogbo Grove. 6. That the worship and annual celebration of Osun Osogbo must continue to experience significant growth, through which it will become a global tourist center. that the government at all levels and international organizations such as UNESCO must continue to protect the cultural significance and relevance of the Osun Osogbo festival. 7. That there is a greater task ahead for the academic and non-academic historians, archaeologists, sociologists, anthropologists, linguists, and other scholars for further research and investigations into the Osun Osogbo festival for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the important role of Osun Osogbo in Yoruba history, culture, and political power relations.
Some Practical Policy Recommendations After the annual academic-cultural celebration at the CBCIU, the following recommendations are made for improving the state and status of the Osun Osogbo festival: 1. Osun Osogbo religious and cultural identity should be incorporated into courses of study in the departments of tourism, Yoruba language, fine and applied art, and history at Nigerian universities. 2. There is a need for government at all levels to further expand the scope of commitment towards the Osun Osogbo Groove in terms of maintenance of the groove facilities and its sustainability towards global cultural best practices. 3. Cultural institutions, traditional rulers, cultural experts, and all worshipers of Osun Osogbo must unite to protect this cultural heritage. 4. We must aggregate and harness the rich cultural and religious values in the Osun Osogbo festival as tools for Yoruba’s cultural identity, growth, and development. 5. The Yoruba nation today needs a workable and practicable cultural policy rooted in our indigenous cultures and histories, which in turn will enhance contemporary and future understanding and shape relations around the Osun Osogbo festival and other indigenous religious institutions. 6. The Federal and State Ministries of Cultures, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), and other relevant agencies should provide proper platforms and policies for the promotion of indigenous cultural values. This is because our cultural values are capable of restoring our pride and providing the basis for our development, just as Paula Gomez of the Alaafin’s Palace noted that “If you preserve, you develop.” Therefore, we must know that there is no development for us without preserving our cultural heritage.
Conclusion The CBCIU-Annual Osun Osogbo Festival in commemoration of the 2023 Osun Osogbo Festival reflected on the importance of Osun Osogbo in the contemporary greatness of Osogbo and the role of Susanne Wenger in the movement towards the restoration of the Osun Osogbo Sacred Groove. Though the papers presented are sacred, their contemporary importance and future importance to Yoruba religious, spiritual, and cultural identity and development cannot be underestimated.
On Tuesday, 23 May, 2023, Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding held a special forum to celebrate a charismatic international artist, Chief Mrs. Oyenike Monica Okundaye, founder of Nike Arts Gallery. The celebration, which was her 72nd birthday, also coincided with the 55th birthday anniversary of promoting and exhibiting Contemporary African Art. It was an assembly of eminent personalities including monarchs, traditionalists, academia, community leaders, stakeholders in art industry and students. The Chairman of the event, Aare (Dr.) Ifagbenusola Olalekan Atanda praised Chief Okundaye for putting Osun and Nigeria on the global map. He said, “She made herself somebody out of nobody, and she didn’t allow that success to get into her mind and make her a pompous person. She uses her talent to uplift other people across the globe. “This is a woman who has been sent by Eledumare to set an example of how humans should be. To everyone here today, my advice to you is that you should strive to make yourself somebody out of nobody, and not to hide it but to share it with others. Today, she is a name to be reckoned with in the whole universe. She has made an impact both here and abroad. I knew her when she was nobody, and I thank Eledumare. I also knew her when she was somebody, not just somebody, but somebody very special.”
The Guest lecturer, Prof. Peju Layiwola described Chief Nike Okundaye as an epitome of resilience, who has overcome numerous trials as a girl and woman but never give up on her pursuit of excellence in her career and making a significant impact across the globe. “Mama Nike is an epitome of resilience globally, who has gone through many trials but prevailed as a girl and a woman to become one of the most successful artists in Africa. Like gold, Nike has been admired over the years for her steadfastness and amiable personality across the globe. She is a distinctive art entrepreneur, a human rights advocate, an art administrator, a dancer, a singer, and a philanthropist par excellence.”
During an interview with the media, the celebrant, Chief Okundaye, expressed her gratitude to the organizers and shared valuable advice for upcoming artists while also urging parents to support their children’s artistic aspirations. “My advice for young and upcoming artists is for them to have focus. Anything they know they are good at; they should do it well and follow their heart. When I came to Osogbo, I did not have anything. If you can make me become somebody, Osun Osogbo, if you can make me become somebody in my life, I will always talk about you. Today, I thank God and I want all the young, especially the females who have a mission to become artists, to follow their hearts, work hard, and be patient. Whatever somebody wants to do, they have to have patience. Things will happen along the way. Nobody is perfect, but you will always get to where you are going. Be patient. There is nothing patience cannot do. I want to say to the parents, if you see your children have talent, don’t force them to pursue another job. Let them follow their hearts and support them. Today, the best-selling artist from the whole 54 countries is a young Nigerian girl. Her work is going for $3.4 million, which is 3.6 billion naira. This is just one painting.” We are pleading with the government to create more centers for people who have no job. This is a job. You can start behind your yard. I used to teach behind my yard. That is when Oyinbo came to take me overseas to teach weaving, which was my first breakthrough. After that, it was Adire Eleko and Aaro. Follow what you’re doing well, and the sky is your beginning.” Earlier in his welcome address the Director of the Centre, Professor Siyan Oyeweso acknowledged Chief Okundaye as an exemplary role model for disadvantaged individuals, emphasizing that she was not born with silver spoon but managed to succeed against all odds. “As a role model for disadvantaged people across all walks of life, Chief Okundaye was not born with any form of privilege, whether a silver spoon or anything of the sort. She grew up in very difficult and challenging conditions, with limited education. However, she has triumphed against all odds. Today, any girl child, regardless of her background, can see her as a role model.”
The event attendees explored an exhibition showcasing some of Chief Okundaye’s remarkable artworks, further highlighting her artistic prowess and contributions to the art world.
The Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo is inviting you to a Roundtable and a Day of Tributes in Memory of Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi III (1938-2022) .
The passage of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, to immortality has continued to generate discussions and debates across all spectrums of life. There is no doubt that his 52-year reign witnessed phenomenal achievements in the field of education, community development, modern infrastructure, culture, effective security, peace building and recognition of the Alaafin as a global brand. Alaafin Adeyemi III was an Oba who loved Yoruba culture and made it a strong aspect of everyday life even up till his last moment on earth. Given the uncommon legacies he left behind, a roundtable is being organized to engage critically diverse aspects of the life and times of this unique Monarch. The forum will also provide an opportunity for those who interacted with him to pay tributes to his memory. We invite scholars, experts, key stakeholders in the culture sector and the general public to be part of the programme to appraise the Alaafin’s 52-year reign and its implications for the future.Join us on Tuesday, 24 May, 2022Kindly register below,
You are here: Home Resources Events CBCIU CELEBRATES THE ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH
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 CBCIU HOLDS THE 2022 OSUN OSOGBO COMMEMORATION PROGRAMME, CALLS FOR INTERVENTION AGAINST OSUN DESECRATION
CBCIU HOLDS THE 2022 OSUN OSOGBO COMMEMORATION PROGRAMME, CALLS FOR INTERVENTION AGAINST OSUN DESECRATION
The Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, on Thursday, August 25, 2022, held the 2022 Osun Osogbo Annual Commemoration Programme tagged: Osun Osogbo across the Atlantic: Towards Preservation and Sustainability of Nigeria’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. The event was held at the Ulli Beier Hall of the Centre.
The event that was in a hybrid format drew participants from stakeholders in the art and cultural sector, the traditional institution, academia, as well as members of the Osogbo community and its environs, who unanimously called on stakeholders to rescue the Osun Osogbo Sacred River from desecration that has become its lot in the past few years.In his keynote address, the Executive Director, CBCIU, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, lamented the pitiable condition of the river exacerbated by indiscriminate water pollution and other reckless acts. According to him, ‘pollution and desecration of the Osun River constitute an act of aggression against one of the most important Yoruba and African heritage.The Osun Sacred River holds a place of immense significance in Yoruba cosmology and cultural belief system. The river is believed to embody the sacred Osun goddess, the Yoruba goddess of fertility, purity, and healing. This river goddess has legion of adherents who channel their supplications to her for various forms of healing. The water itself, is believed to possess healing power from various forms of problems and afflictions, hence it is being dubbed as ‘agbo’; meaning herbal drink.In addition, the Osun Osogbo Sacred Groove, which houses the shrine of the river goddess, is one of the only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nigeria. This is a place of abundant tourism potentials and a honeypot for economic rejuvenation for Nigeria if properly annexed.I, therefore, on behalf of the Chairman and Members of the Board of Trustees of this Centre, call on the government of Osun State, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Ataoja in Council and other stakeholders in Art, Culture and Tourism, to implement enabling policies for the protection of the Osun Osogbo Sacred Groove, Osun River and other river bodies and tourism destinations within the state from desecration.The event witnessed paper presentation by great academics, such as Professor Aderemi Ajala and Dr. Monsur Muritala, from University of Ibadan, Professor Felix Ayo-Omidire, Professor David Ogungbile, Dr. Bukola Omigbule, and Dr. Amusa Saheed Balogun, from Obafemi Awolowo University.Also, papers were presented by many foreign experts on culture, including Mrs Robin Campbell; the Chairperson, Adunni Olorisa Trustfund, Ms Lena Naumann from Iwalewa Haus, University of Bayreuth; Chief Ellias Garcia, the Baba Olosun of Brazil; as well as Nigerian Cultural experts and Osun devotees, such as Yeye Osun, Priestess Osunwende Funke Omodara, Priestess Adedoyin Faniyi, and Priestess Oyelola Elebuibon.
You are here: Home Resources Events CBCIU AT PARIS, FRANCE
CBCIU AT PARIS, FRANCE
The Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, (CBCIU) participated in the 9th Session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which was held between 5th and 7th of July, 2022, at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Chairman of the Centre’s Board of Trustees, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, the Executive Director, and Emeritus Professor Michael Omolewa a Member of the Board of Trustees and former Nigeria’s Permanent Delegate at UNESCO represented CBCIU at the Meeting.
Chairman, Board of Trustees, Prince (Dr.) Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Member, Board of Trustees, Emeritus Professor Michael Omolewa and the Director, Professor Siyan Oyeweso.
The representatives of the Centre include the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Prince (Dr.) Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Member, Board of Trustees, Emeritus Professor Michael Omolewa and the Director, Professor Siyan Oyeweso.
The 9th Session, which kicked off on July 5, saw the adoption of several resolutions related to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, including those related to operational directives, such as financial matters, as well as resolutions regarding the accreditation of non governmental organizations to act in an advisory capacity to the Convention.
After the meeting, Professor Siyan Oyeweso stated that among the most important resolution of the 9th Session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is:
Adoption of 33 non-governmental organizations to act in an advisory capacity to the Convention.
He added that Mauritania has been elected to the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which has 24 Member States, after the expiry of the four-year mandate of the State of Kuwait. The General Assembly approved the resolution concerning the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Convention in 2023.
You are here: Home Resources Events CBCIU HOLDS A ROUNDTABLE AND A DAY OF TRIBUTES IN MEMORY OF ALAAFIN LAMIDI ADEYEMI III (1938-2022)
CBCIU HOLDS A ROUNDTABLE AND A DAY OF TRIBUTES IN MEMORY OF ALAAFIN LAMIDI ADEYEMI III (1938-2022)
On Tuesday, 24th May, 2022, the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo holds a Roundtable and a Day of Tributes for Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III who had joined his ancestors on April 22, 2022 at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti. There is no doubt that his 52-year reign witnessed phenomenal achievements in the field of education, community development, modern infrastructure, culture, effective security, peace building and recognition of the Alaafin as a global brand. Alaafin Adeyemi III was an Oba who loved Yoruba culture and made it a strong aspect of everyday life even up till his last moment on earth.
Prof. Toyin Falola, Chairman and Moderator of the event.
The programme was anchored by a US-based Professor of History, Toyin Falola, the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at the University of Texas at Austin. Some of the presenters are His Eminence Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu (Rtd); Dr. Paula Gomes, the Alaafin Culture Ambassador; Professors Akin Ogundiran, Olutayo Adesina, Aderemi Raji-Oyelade, Isaac Olawale Albert, Yahya Imam, Oyeronke Olademo; Dr. Lasisi Olagunju, Dr. Festus Adedayo and Chief Tunde Busari, among others
The Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal Laminisa 1; the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin; the Eburu of Iba, Oba (Prof) Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye; the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi; the Alara of Ara, Oba Olubayo Windapo; the Ona Onibode of Igboho, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adetoyese Jayeola were a delight to watch at the event in their flowing traditional costumes when they all rose in unison and hit dance floor in response to a live performance by the Alapaaro band based in Osogbo.
The Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo, on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, held the 2022 World Museum Day. The theme of the lecture is The Power of Museums: Recover and Imagine. The event was held at the HRM Oba Oyinlola Hall of the Centre.
The event that was in a hybrid format drew participants from stakeholders in the art, tourist, museum and cultural sector. The speakers established that:1. One of the interesting museums in Nigeria is Esie Musem, established in 1954. It was the first to be built in the country; it was established primarily to house hundreds of soapstone sculpture of Esie2. The Ife Museum, built on a piece of land within the Oba’s Palace, was established in 1954, mainly to preserve the famous bronze and terracotta objects hitherto kept in the sacred groves3.The Gidan Makama Museum, Kano, apart from being a national monument because of its intrinsic architectural excellence, has exhibits which, to some extent, tell the story of Kano4. The Benin Museum was opened in 1973 to house the collection of the royal art of Benin, representing the works of generations of artists which were originally in the custody of the late Chief Jacob Egharevba, the repository of Benin historical and cultural studies5. The Kaduna Museum is a typical example of non-purpose built museum. The building was donated by the defunct North Central State Government and was originally used as a political party secretariat for the Northern People’s Congress (NPC)The colloquium also acknowledged that museums matters to the country on so many levels. They help to educate children and adults, connect the nations with our past, help us stay in touch with our own and other’s cultures, and generate significant economic benefits for the country, attracting millions of UK and other overseas visitors and creating many jobs. It further contended that, like so many areas of our lives, the museums sector has had a tough time during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the number of physical visitors falling in responses to COVID-19 restrictions. Despite these challenges, there are is plenty of things to be positive about, and 2022 has seen a flurry of new exhibitions and the opening of refurbished venues.The Board of Trustees and Management of the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), as part of her mandate, has put up an exhibition in honour of Duro Ladipo to showcase his personal belongings for viewers to engender better understanding of the role he played in promoting Yoruba art and culture and to serve educational values and earn respect for the late artist. The exhibition provides a good opportunity to appreciate the outstanding life of Duro Ladipo and offers an invaluable platform of showing his legacy as approved by the immediate family. Today, CBCIU hosts the Duro Ladipo Museum and Photographic Gallery.
You are here: Home Resources Events NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON RELIGION AND NATIONAL SECURITY
NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON RELIGION AND NATIONAL SECURITY
Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, Director, CBCIU during the delivery of his welcome address
National Workshop on Religion and National Security: The Role of Islam, Christianity and African Traditiinal Religion in Fostering Peace, National Security and International Understanding, held on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at the CBCIU re-engaged the role of the three major religions in Nigeria in fostering national and international peace and cooperation.
Chaired by eminent traditional ruler, the Aragbiji of Iragbijiland, HRM Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi Odundun IV, panelists include HRM Oba Qamarudeen Adeyanju, The Olororuwo of Ororuwo, Professors Aderemi Ajala, Rotimi Omotoye, Rafiu Adebayo and R.O Raheemson, Oluomo Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, Dr. Gbenga Efuntade, Priestess Adedoyin Talabi Faniyi, Chief Oyelola Elebuibon, and Fadilat Sheik Abdullahi Olohunlomerue.Representatives and members from the Osun State Muslim Community, Christian Association of Nigeria and Traditional Religion Worshippers Association graced the workshop. The high point of the workshop centered on the need for all three religious adherents to live not only in peace and harmony but to ensure that tolerance and cooperation are emphasized in their daily lives towards the promotion of national and international development.COMMUNIQUEThe workshop on fostering peace, security and understanding through religion was organized on 21st of April 2022 by Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo(CBCIU). The workshop had nine panelists and three other contributors drawn from academia and religious institutions who discussed different perspectives of religious promotion of peace, security and understanding within African traditional religion, Christianity and Islam perspectives. Moderated by His Royal Highness, Aragbiji of Iragbiji, the workshop was attended by no fewer than 300 people physically and another 150 people who attending virtually. Cultural displays through chanting of Oriki and drama sketches focusing religious integration and accomodation were staged as part of the entertainment during the workshop.The panelists and contributors established that:1. Religion in Latin means binding together of human relations. It is a human invention aimed at promoting solidarity among humans.2. All religions have roles to play in fostering peace, security and understanding.3. The state of insecurity is appalling and worrisome in Nigeria.4. The years 2010 till 2022 are characterised by numerous forms of insecurity than what were witnessed in the previous years since Nigerian independence.5. Contemporary insecurity featured banditry, ethnic conflicts, kidnapping, separatist movements crises, domestic violence, labour union crises, armed robbery, internet fraudster, political and ethnic conflicts and various forms of domestic violence among others.6. All these forms of insecurity have caused economic crisis in the country, dented the international image of the country and make the state to be fragile.7. Government’s attempts at solving insecurity have failed because little attention is given to community approach which includes using family system, community and religion to foster peace, security and understanding.8. Religion plays a fundamental position in maintaining security.9. Since religion is for humanity, it is an institution, which should be maintained to foster peace and security.10. Christianity preaches peace and security.11. As suggested by Jesus Christ, anger and provocation should not attract violence.12. The tenets of Christainity focusing on christhood should be engaged to address the current insecurity in Nigeria.13. Christianity must continue to preach peace, equity, fairness and love beyond religious beliefs.14. Christianity must not assault other religions.15. Christianity must emphasize tolerance beyond gender, status and religious beliefs.16. Yoruba demonstrates religious tolerance and accommodation, this virtue must be respected by Christians.17.Islam is a religion of peace and several verses of holy Quran testify to how Islamic religion promotes peace.18. Islam does not license killing of fellow human beings.19. Quoran and Hadith being the bedrock of Islam teach human relations beyond space.20. The Muslim’s five daily prayers suggest accommodation and fellowship among humans across the beliefs, sex and colour.21. Truth, justice, sincerity and equity preached in all religions must be upheld tenaciously.22. Islam forbids tribalism, nepotism and favouritism, So government should not engage these practices as instruments of power relations.23. Politics is a game of chance, where somebody will win and someone else will loose. Either winning or losing is not a certificate to heaven or hell. So politics must be conducted with humanity in mind.24. All that are acquired on earth will be left behind and no one is buried with his or her wealth. Wealth acquisution must not be used to cause harm against fellow human beings.25. Law is no respecter of anybody. So, law must be obeyed without reference to status.26. Traditional religion is sacred, tolerant and accommodating.27. Traditional religion does not preach religion but preaches humanity and making the world a better place to live in.28. There is a need to have proper conceptualization of beliefs across all religions in such a way that positive knowledge of every religion is promoted.29. The mythology of Yoruba pantheon suggests that no one should be left out in building a peaceful society.30. Spirituality and religion should not be used to promote insecurity, rather common religious spirituality should be engaged to foster peace, security and understanding.31. Throughout the ifa verses, the messages of peace, security, understanding and humanity are clearly stated.32. Peace is an essential virtue of the Yoruba, which is clearly emphasized in traditional religion.33. Ifa verses of Obara forbids greed and bad governance and encourages benevolence in human relationship. While benevolence can cause peace, bad governance and greed can cause insecurity.34. Another ifa verse also preaches love and good health. Insecurity is caused by hatred and bad livelihood. So, if government promotes access to good quality of live, there will be security, peace and understanding.35. Ifa verses also charge the leaders of people to employ their authorities to proffer peace, security and understanding. Kings and community leaders must ensure peace, security and understanding in their different communities by engaging traditional norms of peace building.36. Traditional religion emphasises that leaders must be true leaders who have power to maintain peace and security in their domains.37. Indigenous knowledge especially in language, philosophy and skills must be promoted in Nigerian schools to promote understanding.38. All religions must ensure oneness of love, equity, justice, fairness and humanity to foster peace, security and understanding.39. Every religion must translate religious ideologies to realities and practices of peace building and understanding.40. Traditional cultural practices like norms, ethics, values and morals must be applied to foster peace, security and understanding.41. Religious integration through interdenominational prayers and fellowship can work to foster peace, security and understanding in Nigeria.42. Politicians should be warned against the use of thuggery and violence during elections. Legitimization of thugs in Nigerian politics must stop.In conclusion, the participants and audience agreed that the workshop was timely and very necessary for Nigerian development. The workshop presentations addressed lots of security challenges in the country. Thus, it was recommended that ideas and opinions generated at the workshop must be translated to actions.
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