By NAN The Kwara State Coordinator, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Mr Olanrewaju Salam, has called on youths to channel their talents towards activities that would contribute to the nation’s development.
Salam told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Ilorin that as the nation’s future leaders, youths should use their talents for positive endeavours.
Salam, who is the chairman of Olokun Festival Foundation, Kwara, advised youths to desist from all forms of anti-social vices.
“If our youths can re-channel the energy and talents which they use in planning and executing kidnappings and other vices to good use, Nigeria will be a better place to live in,” Salam said.
Salam said this year’s Oya festival was a success, and called on the state governments to work with the foundation to make the festival attractive to international tourists.
The OPC chieftain said government would generate a lot of revenue from developing Oya groove into a major tourism centre.
According to him, contrary to people’s belief, Oya festival is not idol worshiping but a celebration of Oya, a deified goddess of the Yoruba people.
“Oya Festival is a culture and not a religion. Hardly can you see a state without the ministry of culture,” Salam said.
Salam said that the foundation was doing its best to keep the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people alive.
