Ogun State Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, has called for the preservation of the state’s cultural values.

Mr. Onasanya made the call at the maiden edition of the year 2024 RIYE Cultural Icons, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Information Chapel, at the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, saying Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration would not relent at holding cultural heritage in high esteem across the state.

The Head of Service, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr. Sam Oyeleye, noted that the celebration was in tandem with the present administration's agenda in promoting cultural activities in the state.

While commending the Chapel for the initiating such an event, Mr. Onasanya pointed out that the idea of promoting the native language and its usage would remain a vital tool for sustaining the rich cultural heritage in the four zones of the state, enjoining parents to continually inculcate rich cultural values and traditions in their wards.

Speaking, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Waheed Adesina, represented by the Director of Information, Public Enlightenment, Mr. Seyi Oladimeji, described the event as laudable, saying it would further boost socio-cultural values.

On his part, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Lanre Ogunyinka, underscored the role of Information Officers in the dissemination of government activities, which had impacted positively on the state.

Earlier in his address, Chairman of the Chapel, Mr. Femi Osipitan, intimated that the event was borne out of the desire to ensure that culture does not go into extinction, saying, “only way to preserve our future is to embrace culture”.

The honourees, Comr. Adeynika Musa Richard, (Cultural Icon Female); Mr.Femi Olayinka, (Cultural Icon Male) and Miss Joy Ogbodo (Cultural Icon Female, Non-Yoruba), appreciated the organisers for the honour bestowed on them, saying the event would always remind them of their heritage.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to the honourees