Osogbo Culture Centre grows in the U.S.

RECENTLY, in far away United States of America, the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), Osogbo, operating under the auspices of UNESCO launched its arm in the United States in line with the centre's mandate which encourages inter-religious and cultural dialogues, peace, international understanding as well as the promotion and preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the black race.The event, which held at the Nigerian Embassy, Washington DC became a significant milestone in the centre's efforts at contributing effectively to the on-going global campaign for the promotion of learning, peace and international understanding in line with the goals and aspirations of UNESCO.The ceremony, which attracted several dignitaries had CBCIU, Nigerian Embassy in Washington, and the Constituency for Africa led by Chief Stanley Straughter, who is also the Chairman of the Mayors Commission of African and Caribbean Affairs of the City of Philadelphia as collaborators.Straughter, who was last year honoured as the Atayese of Osun State at the palace of the Ooni of Ife is also coming on as the leader of CBCIU in the United States, a body which still reports to the Nigerian board of the culture outlet.Indeed, the launch served as a rally point for black people in the Diaspora as they pledged support for CBCIU to join forces with organisations with similar objectives in order to discharge its responsibilities, among which is to shape the image of the western world about the developing world.No doubt, with last week launch, CBCIU has kicked off its cultural diplomacy function, which forms a major plank of President Goodluck Jonathan's agenda. Interestingly, former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who is also Chairman, the centre's board of trustees, represented at the function by my humble self and Nigeria's ambassador to the United States, Prof. Ade Adefuye found a meeting point on the need for the Centre to participate in the cultural diplomacy policy of the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Oyinlola spoke about the need for synergy while Ambassador Adefuye, spoke about symbiotic relationship. Oyinlola was represented at the occasion by the Secretary, CBCIU Board, Femi Adelegan. Present also was the Executive Director of CBCIU, Prof. Wole Ogundele and others.
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