The Yoruba Cultural Alliance (YCA), USA, is primed to promote and preserve the Yoruba culture, tradition and language all over the world.
According to its founder, Hon. Abiodun Akinfenwa, the alliance is a hub for advancement of cultural heritage, fostering creativity, building community connections, and enriching the lives of individuals through cultural experiences and education.
On his mission to propagate the Yoruba culture and tradition, Akinfenwa said: “My heart lies in nurturing and propagating the rich Yoruba culture. As the former president of the Ibadan Descendants Union in Dallas, TX, currently serving as president of the Yoruba Cultural Alliance and a proud patron of the Yoruba Cultural Center, I’m deeply committed to fostering a sense of belonging and pride among our community members, both locally and in the diaspora.”
Akinfenwa said the YCA remains committed to cultural preservation, arts, education and cultural diversity in society, raising awareness about the value of culture in building strong and vibrant communities.
Thus, it has distinct directorates across the six Yoruba-speaking states in Nigeria—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti. The alliance also secured land in Arlington, Dallas, Texas, to build a Yoruba Heritage Civic Center, which will serve as a hub for the various Yoruba-speaking states.
The project has garnered substantial support from the U.S. government, including an approval of $10 million to fund the center. Its programmes are also benefiting many in America, leading to the creation of Yorubafest.
The YCA enjoys strong backing from notable patrons, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Òràngún of Òkè-Ìlá (Aroyinkeye 1). Both have also declared support for the Yoruba festival.
“My goal is to broaden the reach of Yoruba culture in Dallas, TX, and further afield. I’m actively seeking dedicated individuals who are enthusiastic about joining me in this mission to inspire our young people to value and preserve our cultural legacy, securing its dynamic presence for future generations.
“Having established this alliance, my aim is to extend the influence of Yoruba culture into Dallas, TX, and beyond. I’m searching for driven individuals who align with my vision of motivating our youth to uphold and continue our cultural traditions, guaranteeing their lasting impact for generations to come,” Akinfenwa added.
On the aims and objectives of the alliance, he said: “It serves as a hub for promoting and preserving cultural heritage, fostering creativity, and facilitating community engagement.
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It is also to preserve and showcase cultural traditions, arts, crafts, languages, music, dance, and other forms of cultural expression for future generation.
“We are also poised to facilitate cultural exchange and understanding between different communities, promoting diversity, tolerance, and mutual respect, while we provide educational programmes workshops, classes, and exhibitions that promote artistic expression, creativity, and lifelong learning.
“It also seeks to engage the local community through cultural events, festivals, performances, lectures, and interactive activities that bring people together and foster a sense of belonging; conduct research, document cultural practices, traditions, and history to contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.
The group is dedicated to supporting and showcasing the work of local artists, musicians, performers, and artisans, providing them with a platform to exhibit their talents and connect with the community.”
