Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, emphasized the importance of understanding and preserving culture as a means of self-discovery and empowerment.
Speaking on Sunday at the Prayer and Dedication of the New Egbe Chieftaincy Palace on Lagos Island, Dr. Hamzat highlighted how culture enables people to unlock their full potential and embrace their identity as Africans.
“There are certain things you can’t translate into English. We need to let our language be known to our children. Let our children understand that this is who we are. We are not Western people. We are Africans, and therefore our African culture, our African language must be pre-eminent,” Hamzat stated.
The Deputy Governor noted the importance of preserving culture and language to prevent them from becoming extinct. He mentioned that the Lagos State government has implemented various programs and policies to ensure that the culture, language, and traditions of the people are passed down to future generations.
“We found out that a few of our children can’t even speak our language. I think that if you don’t understand yourself, if you don’t know yourself, it is a loss. In Lagos, we are doing a lot of culture teaching, and I encourage others, Igbo, Hausa, and others to let our language be known and let our children understand who we are,” he said.
Regarding the new Chieftaincy Palace, Hamzat described it as a regeneration and redevelopment project, transforming the old structure into a modern facility. He stressed the importance of regeneration in response to the growing population, ensuring people live in proper and good environments.
“Regeneration is important, and as we regenerate, we are improving the lives of our children for a better tomorrow,” he added.
Chief Rafui Abayomi Olusi, the Egbe of Lagos, remarked on the significance of the new palace, noting it provides a meeting point for Egbe Sons and Daughters both at home and abroad, offers accommodations for the local population, and promotes mutual understanding among them.
He also described the Deputy Governor’s attendance as a homecoming, as Hamzat is a descendant of the Egbe Chieftaincy Family.
In his word of exhortation, Imam Moshood Sanusi urged leaders and those in positions of power to serve with the fear of God, emphasizing that no one is greater than Allah.
“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 who has chosen him or her to be there. It is therefore important for people in positions or leaders to serve with the fear of God and be fair to humanity,” he said.
