Ben-Ber Foundation Commissions Cultural Hub As Kolade’s Family Honours Late Parents In Osogbo

It was a gathering of culture icons and education promoters with twin functions of children’s books presentation and commissioning of Cultural Hub under Ben-Ber Foundation in Osogbo, the Osun State Capital on Wednesday, 19th February, 2020.

The event was organized in honour of late father and mother Deacon Benjamin Adeyemi Kolade-Jan and his wife, the late Iyalode of Osogboland, Chief (Mrs) Bernice Alake Kolade; the wonderful couple after which the Ben-Ber Foundation was named by their children where Yoruba culture would be institutionalized while Children education will be an agenda most especially the children with special needs.

The head of late Kolade’s children, Mrs Funmi Aderonke Abokede who stated in her welcome address that the Ben-Ber Foundation cultural hub is a center that will promote culture and arts, adding that the foundation will ensure Yoruba language doesn’t go into extinction and to promote children’s education at all levels.

According to her, “Ben-ber Foundation Cultural hub will provide training on economic viable vocations that will promote Yoruba culture in terms of weaving of Aso-Oke, Adire making etc.

“The foundation has a special focus on children with disabilities which complements the efforts of the State Government of Osun in building inclusive society and giving voice to the voiceless.”

She further said the foundation’s focus is on their capabilities and not on their disabilities, while acknowledging the cultural hub in enhancing better learning, intellectual capability, skill acquisition that will ensure self-reliance and improvement in standard of living.

Speaking at the event, the Osun State Deputy Governor, Mr Benedict Alabi, ably represented Alhaja Latifat Giwa who is the Commissioner for Mineral Resources and Capacity Building said that the proponents of the idea of Ben-Ber Foundation are not dead but rather, sleeping on the bosom of the Lord, adding that this will serve as opportunity for the vulnerable groups especially children living with disabilities.

In his words, “Ladies and gentlemen, we take solace that the proponents of this idea are not dead’ but rather, sleeping on the bosom of the Lord.

“As a government, we desire to project the welfare and well-being of the entire citizenry to a higher pedestal within the available limited resources and through the direct efforts of Development Partners, NGOs/Philanthropic Organizations and Public Spirited individuals.

“I am glad to observe that your corporate vision aligns with your mission as clearly demonstrated by the twin functions of today. That is, the presentation of Children Books which promote Yoruba language and the commissioning of BEN BER foundation Cultural Hub.

“On behalf of this people-oriented administration led by MR. Adegboyega Oyetola, we wish to congratulate you on the path you have chosen for yourself by providing economic opportunities for the vulnerable groups especially children, widows/widowers and people living with disabilities.

“I’m here to identify with your course because it shares common attributes with the State agenda on socio-economic intervention programmes. It is expected that the State and indeed, the Nigerian nation would continue to reap from the exponential returns on your direct investments in Human Capital Building,” Osun Deputy Governor said.

Commissioning of Cultural Hub, public presentation of children’s books, Cultural performance and recitations of rhythms by children with disabilities to further buttress the focus on their capabilities and not on their disabilities to add glamour to the event.

Invited dignitaries at the event includes; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon Obawale Adebisi; Special Adviser to the Osun Governor on Rural Development and Community Affairs, Hon Mumeen Adekunle; Former State Assembly Deputy Speaker, Barr Akintunde Adegboye; APC State Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun; Hon Adenibi, Commissioner for Rural Development and Community Affairs; Architect Muyiwa Ige, former Commissioner for Local Government.

Others are, Chief Onifade Ifasola, PTA Chairman of School for Children with Special Needs; Mrs Adejumoke Ajibola, Director of National Library; Mrs Kolawole, Director of State Library; Hon Mulikat Abiola, Ifelodun State Constituency amongst others.

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