In a significant development aimed at preserving and promoting Yoruba cultural heritage, the Yoruba Wikimedians User Group has announced the release of 40 audiovisuals showcasing Yoruba oral traditions for educational purposes.
The unveiling took place during a press conference held at the group’s headquarters in Lagos on Friday.
“The initiative is part of our Yoruba oral traditions’ documentation projects,” stated a representative of the Yoruba Wikimedians User Group.
“We are proud to release 40 videos that focus on different aspects of Yoruba culture, including Yoruba gods and deities and Yoruba indigenous vocations that are going into extinction.”
Collaborating with local storytellers, historians, and cultural experts, the Yoruba Wikimedians User Group has curated a collection that highlights the diverse and vibrant aspects of Yoruba culture and heritage.
The audiovisuals cover a spectrum of Yoruba oral traditions, including folktales, myths, proverbs, and historical narratives.
“Each video serves as a portal into the heart of Yoruba storytelling, bringing to life the wisdom, creativity, and cultural richness embedded in these traditions,” added the representative.
Addressing the neglect that oral knowledge has suffered over the years, Mikaeel Adesina Sodiq, President of the Yoruba Wikimedians User Group, emphasised the importance of documenting and preserving these traditions.
“Documenting oral knowledge requires expertise and resources, including human and financial resources. We strive to promote free access to knowledge, as we believe that access to knowledge is a fundamental human right.”
During the press conference, recognition was given to the individuals behind the creative works, including the director and producer, Tunde Oladimeji, and the supervising producer, Olatunde Isaac.
Special thanks were extended to members of the Yoruba Wikimedians User Group for their contributions, as well as to the Wikimedia Foundation for their support and project advisor Olaniyan Olushola for his guidance.
“These materials will be freely contributed to Wikimedia projects and donated to academic and cultural institutions where they are most needed,” affirmed Sodiq.
The inclusion of Yoruba oral traditions in Wikimedia projects is seen as a step towards diversifying knowledge and addressing biases and representation gaps.
By integrating this wealth of knowledge into Wikimedia platforms, the initiative aims to raise awareness about Yoruba culture and history on a global scale, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
The group stated that the release of these audiovisuals marks a significant milestone in the preservation and promotion of Yoruba oral traditions, ensuring that future generations have access to the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
