Date: 2021-01-07

Etsu Patigi in Patigi local government area of Kwara state, HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Bologi has described culture as the people's identity, saying anyone that throws it away lacks value.

The monarch spoke at the maiden annual public lecture, awards and launching of Dabe Yi Baza (Come let's Discuss) scholarship scheme recently in Ilorin.

Dabe Yi Baza is a Nupe Programme Albarika FM Ilorin with Hajia Fatimah Asabe Jiyah as the CEO/Convener.

A statement from the convener Wednesday said the royal father, who lauded the programme anchor for the initiative, urged her to sustain the tempo as this would help the Nupe sons and daughters at home and in the Diaspora, in further realisation of their cultural identity.

The monarch said: "Dabe Yi baza literally means 'Come, Let's Discuss'. It's a programme that discusses the culture of Nupe. As you know, I am the Etsu Patigi and custodian of the culture of Patigi. Basically, even what I am holding symbolises the culture of Nupe and that's why I am here.

"I sincerely want to appreciate her , that's why I am here. May Almighty continue to promote the culture because culture is our identity, and we can't throw it away.

"As the great scholar said, anybody who does not have a culture has thrown away his values. I will sincerely tell her to continue to promote the culture and support her in any way we can."

In her welcome speech, the programme convener, Hajia Jiyah said: "About two-years-ago, Dabe Yi Baza was founded with the mission to promote the culture, tradition and heritages of Nupe communities to the populace.

"For the past two years, we have recorded tremendous achievements in the areas of promotion of Nupe culture through our Radio Programme session at Albarka FM (89.9) and our online TV

"Unfortunately, in the first quarter of the year 2020, the world started dealing with a global pandemic "Coronavirus" which equally affected our episodes and other activities."

"After due consultations and deliberations, we have decided to celebrate ourselves, award some of the supporters and active members who have made this platform what it is today," Jiyah further said.

On the initiative around the scholarship scheme, she said: "We observed that in KinNupe (Nupe land) some of our major problems are high dependence, poverty, lack of education amongst others.

"It is on this note that the Dabe Yi Baza conceived the idea of the "scholarship scheme" which is to support the poor and vulnerable individuals to unlock the potential skills among the teeming youths to enable them use whatever skills and knowledge acquired towards the growth and development of KinNupe. We also seek partnership and support in this regard."

The convener, who thanked God for coming this far on the programme, also commended Nupe indigenes for their "cooperation, commitment and support as we work together to promote the culture and heritage of Nupe Land (KinNupe)."

On the impact of the platform on the people, she said: "However, as a platform we sourced funds to support our people (Nupe people) who were affected one way or the other as a result of the pandemic (during the lockdown) with relief packages to cushion the effect of the pandemic on their lives.

"We also produced face mask for distribution to support the government's effort in flattening the curve of the coronavirus cases. We were able to do that with the support of some of you here and those who could not make it here today. We appreciate you all."