The Kwara State chapter of Yoruba Broadcasters Association (YBA) recently got a boost in its determination to promote the Yoruba language and culture. This was as a result of the assurances of some media outlets to key into the association's vision.

The assurances came at different occasions when the executive members of the association, led by their state governor, Prince Oladele Olusegun Ariyo, visited some media houses in the state. Receiving them in his office, the General Manager of NTA, Ilorin, Alhaji Adetunji Majeed lauded the objectives of the association and stressed the preparedness of the station to partner with the association in its drive to project Yoruba language and culture.

Majeed who pleaded with them to be conscious of the importance of what they have embarked upon opine that native speakers of the Yoruba language are always in the fore front of rejuvenation of culture. He frowned at the common notion in the entertainment industry that Living in Bondage is the beginning of Nollwood in the country.

"The Yorubas are the ones that started Nollywood. I'm one of the people that started Nollywood we just did not call it Nollywood back then. Living in Bondage was not the first home video produced in the country. The Yorubas have been doing it since 1987, it was in 1989 that the Igbos did Living in Bondage and now said that is the beginning of Nollywood." He affirmed that the Yorubas are the ones leading in broadcasting, culture and tourism and urged the members of the association to be committed to the mission and objectives of establishing the association as the station is ready to partner with them.

"Our doors are always opened. You can call on us anytime you need our assistance and we will gladly oblige you. Although we have our own challenges, we will not hesitate to help wherever we can," he said Earlier the state governor of the association, Prince Oladele Olusegun Ariyo, who noted that the station is in the forefront of news dissemination in the state, congratulated the GM and his management team on the 40th anniversary of the station.

He lamented that the culture and language is gradually been endangered and called for partnership with a view to promoting the language and culture of Yoruba. He said the association is the umbrella body for all Yoruba Broadcasters in the country and is saddled with the responsibility of propagating and promoting the Yoruba language and culture. He further hinted that the state chapter of the association will soon be inaugurated and called for partnership between the station and the association especially as regards the forthcoming inauguration of the Association.

During the visit to Unilorin FM, the GM of the station, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Durodola, also assured the association of the station's readiness to partner with them and lauded their objectives. He stressed that the station is ready to partner with them in its aims and objectives of propagating the Yoruba language and culture. The Head of programs of the station, Alhaji Idris Alooma, who was thrilled by the objectives of the association signified his intention to join the association and was immediately admitted.

Prince Oladele Olusegun Ariyo, the governor of the association in the state, had earlier praised the station for its prompt and accurate dissemination of news items to the general. He revealed that the visit was to familiarize the management of the station with the aims and objectives of the association. While receiving members of the association in her office, the head of Station, Raypower, Mrs. Sarah Osayinlusi, commended members of the association for the initiative stressing that, "I believe we have talents here in Kwara state and we are doing our best here to harness such creativity and showcase such to the world."

Osayinlusi however lamented that most of the presentations she has had so far had been bland and charged members of the association to come up with creative topics which can benefit the society. While assuring them of her station's readiness to partner with them she stated that the station is always ready to partner with groups or individuals with bright and beneficial ideas.

The head of Yoruba department at the station, Olaide Abioye, also commended the association for the initiative and signified his interest to be a part of the team.

Prince Oladele Olusegun Ariyo, while speaking earlier had commended the station for creating opportunities for young and vibrant individuals to showcase their their God given talents. He revealed that the visit was to familiarize the station with the aims and objectives of the association.

Other executives of the association are Grand Patron, Prince Alhaji Bola Olojuku; Deputy Governor, Mr. Tope Animashahun; Secretary, Mr. Abdulfatai Aremu; Assistant Secretary, Mr. Seun Ayedun; PRO/Organizing Secretary, Prince Mayowa Kosenibiya DK-One; Chief whip, Mr. Femi Iyanda.