By Ayoni M. Agbabiaka
The Yoruba community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been called upon to always express their cultural values and traditions with proudness.
The call was made by wife of the Ambassador of Cuba to Congo Kinchasa, Mrs. Maura Quintero (Fadekemi), accompanied by Deputy head of the Embassy of Cuba, Ms. Miriam Morales- (Aina) and wife of Cuba Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Melba Perez (Osunyinka) who paid a courtesy visit to the leadership of Yoruba Obas domiciled in the Federal Capital Territory.
Yeyemowa of Esun-Ekiti and Yeyeloro of Ayedun-Ekiti, Princess Ebunoluwa Bosede Oladunni, who led the ambassadorial delegation, said it was disheartening to note that Nigerians were not proud of their traditions and culture heritage.
“Nigerians do not really appreciate what they have”, she said, adding that some cultures and traditions were treated with kids glove, but celebrated elsewhere, especially in Cuba.
She, therefore, urge the Yorubas not to hesitate “to train your children the cultural way”.
She emphasised that her children, who are citizens of other countries were never encouraged to speak other language in the family except Yoruba language.
Relieving her experience in Cuba in 2007, she said edifices symbolising Olodumare, Sango, Yemoja which were prominent gods in the Yoruba ethnic groups, were present in Cuba and were proudly showcased to the world.
“It was Nigerians, who helped the Cuban fought their wars to victory in the past, hence the similarity in some tradition and culture,” she said.
Mrs. Quintero in her remark expressed her joy for the warm reception, saying “this is my first time in Nigeria and I will never forget this day. I know I now have more friends and family in Yoruba land and whenever I come again, I will always speak Yoruba language”.
She said Cuba has certain practices like dances and delicacies in common with the Yorubas.
The Chairman of Yoruba Obas in FCT, Alhaji Atanda Abdulrahman, in his address expressed appreciation of the leadership of the Yoruba Obas in FCT for the visit.
He pledge the Yoruba support at all times to the Cuban nation.
“The leadership of the Yoruba Obas in Abuja are indeed very happy to welcome you into our midst today. We understand that this visit is borne out of sincere love and vested interest you have for the Yoruba tribe and tradition in Nigeria, and also a demonstration of the fact that you are one of us, but domiciled in far away Cuba.
“It has been keenly observed that you always take delight in interacting with us on different occasions with apparent aim of knowing and understanding more of ourselves. Today you have taken a decision to come to our palace for a goodwill visit. This indeed is highly commendable and sincerely appreciated by us.
“We shall always be willing and ready to reciprocate these kind gestures by ensuring that Yorubas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) give you all necessary support and cooperation you may need at all times.
“Please feel free to engage us on issues that are mutually beneficial, fruitful and rewarding to both sides, thus paving the way for a more cordial and robust relationship”
Highlights of the occasion is the presentation of gift and a Yoruba name to the wife of the Ambassador of Cuba in Congo Kinchasa, Mrs. Maura Quintero, who is now referred to as Fadekemi.
The visit by the Cubans to the Yoruba community is to further expose the strong cultural ties between Cuba and Nigeria especially the Yoruba tribe through cultural heritage and traditional values.
