Cultural Preservation: KWASU Don advocates fusion of tradition with modernity
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
A professor of Fine Arts and Art Education at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Prof. Binta Sulyman, has said that the preservation of indigenous cultural heritage enhances community cohesion and sustain peace within society.
Prof. Sulyman made the submission on Wednesday during KWASU’s 21st Inaugural Lecture titled ‘The Ilorin Royal Dance Tradition
(Ijo Olomo Oba): A Catalyst for Cultural Identity, Artistic Expression, and Creative Economy”.
She highlighted the connection between fine arts and traditional performative dance, stressing the sustainability of Ijo Ọlọ́mọ Ọba, a traditional dance deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the Ilorin people.
“Declining youth participation, poor documentation, inadequate institutional support, and the increasing dominance of Western cultural forms makes us perceive traditional arts as outdated.
“This places valuable cultural heritage at risk of extinction.
“Preserving cultural traditions does not require resistance to modernisation but rather a careful integration of traditional values with contemporary realities.
“Such an approach would enable cultural practices to remain relevant to younger generations while retaining their historical significance,” she said.
Prof. Sulyman also stressed the importance of incorporating indigenous music and performative arts into educational curricula.
She recommended that Nigerian schools should give greater attention to teaching and performing traditional musical forms from ethnic traditions in Nigeria.
“Eucation remains one of the most effective tools for transmitting cultural knowledge across generations that fosters a sense of identity and belonging among young
“Beyond cultural preservation, indigenous arts helps in peace building and social development.
“Cultural performances such as Ijo Ọlọ́mọ Ọba strengthen social cohesion, promotes intergenerational dialogue, and reinforce shared values that contribute to peaceful coexistence within communities.
“Also, cultural heritage serves as a unifying force capable of bridging social divides and fostering mutual understanding among diverse groups, making it an important resource for community development and nation-building,” the don said.
The professor however called for a holistic approach involving education, innovation, community participation, and institutional support to ensure the sustainability of Ijo Ọlọ́mọ Ọba.
She expressed optimism that with deliberate preservation efforts, the dance would not only survive but also gain wider national and international recognition as a significant component of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.