By Damilola Abiola
In a move to preserve and promote Yoruba heritage, the Illuminate Nigeria Development Network (INDN) has launched a Documentary Fellowship for Students (DFS). The three-month program, themed “Promoting Yoruba Identity Through Documentary,” is part of INDN’s Media Mentoring Initiative (MMi) and is designed to equip final-year students from public universities with the skills to tell authentic Yoruba stories through documentary filmmaking.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Anikeade Funke-Treasure, a broadcaster and multi-genre media personality, underscored the urgency of preserving indigenous culture. Drawing from her experiences in countries like Wales, Scotland, Germany, and South Africa where indigenous languages thrive, she emphasized the importance of reclaiming Yoruba identity.
“We cannot sit in criticism and wail about how our young ones do not share our knowledge of language and culture while doing nothing to change the status quo,” she said.
Funke-Treasure noted that many young people have become disconnected from their roots due to the declining use of the Yoruba language and cultural practices. The fellowship, she explained, seeks to reverse this trend by instilling cultural pride and fostering generational socialization into Yoruba traditions.
Renowned filmmaker and CEO of Mainframe Productions, Tunde Kelani, delivered the keynote address, praising the initiative as a vital step in cultural preservation. “Yoruba people are known worldwide for their rich culture, profound history, and timeless traditions. However, with globalization and modern influences, many aspects of this heritage risk being forgotten,” Kelani said.
He encouraged the student fellows to embrace storytelling as a tool for cultural preservation, urging them to use technology to document Yoruba festivals, interview elders, and showcase traditional Yoruba music, food, and fashion.
“You don’t have to wait for someone else to tell our story, start telling it yourself! Whether it’s the beating of the talking drum, the vibrance of the Egungun festival, or the intricate designs of Adire fabric, these stories belong to you. Let the world hear them through your voice.”
Funke-Treasure also expressed gratitude to individuals and organizations that supported the initiative, including the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism and the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies (FCMS) at Lagos State University.
The fellowship is expected to produce impactful documentaries that will not only preserve Yoruba culture but also inspire future generations. Organizers hope to expand the initiative to ensure Yoruba traditions continue to thrive.