… As DIGICULTURE Project Kicks Off
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Olaoye Oyewole
In a significant move to promote the languages and cultures of Remo, Ijebu, Yewa, and Ẹgba (RIYE), scholars from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) have seriously warned against the extinction of indigenous languages which have spurred them to develop an artificial intelligence device called DIGICULTURE.
The innovative technology has been designed to identify and preserve the languages and cultures of the indigenous people of Ogun State.
At the kickoff ceremony, Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, represented by the Director of Allied Matters, Mr. Michael Ogunbiyi, announced the State’s readiness to partner with FUNAAB on the DIGICULTURE project to encourage the preservation of the State’s indigenous languages.
He said that such innovation would globally promote the State’s indigenous cultures and languages, and potentially enhance the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Hon. Fagbayi stated further that DIGICULTURE would be presented to the Council of Ogun State Obas, advising the Project Team to expand its reach nationwide.
He, however, congratulated the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde and appreciated the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for supporting the project.
In his Address, the Vice-Chancellor noted Ogun State’s multicultural harmony, stressing that DIGICULTURE would help the people of Ogun State understand their origins, languages, and cultures better.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Kola Adebayo, the Vice-Chancellor enjoined traditional rulers and the Ogun State Government to support the initiative.
The Vice-Chancellor, therefore, lauded TETfund for sponsoring the project, even as he urged the team to make DIGICULTURE a global project.
Earlier in his Welcome Address, the Project Leader, Prof. Olusegun Folorunso emphasised the importance of bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application.
He stated that the DIGICULTURE project was a result of a desire to address societal issues, particularly the preservation of cultural heritage.
Prof. Folorunso, a Computer Scientist stressed that DIGICULTURE would revive fading cultures and languages in Ogun State, thereby boosting the State’s tourism.
Dr. Tope Olaifa, a member of the Project Team, said that it was a collaborative effort between the Humanities and Computer Science Departments.
She urged the government and individuals to promote and protect their culture, warning against the extinction of customs.
Speaking also, the Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovations, and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Mutiu Busari congratulated Prof. Folorunso and his team for securing the grant for the project.
He acknowledged TETFund’s recognition of FUNAAB’s judicious use of funds for research and workshops.
The Director noted that using technology to promote culture was a pioneering effort that solidified FUNAAB’s leading role in innovation.
The event featured cultural displays by the University’s Theatre Troupe, highlighting the importance of preserving and celebrating culture and indigenous languages.
