In a significant stride toward preserving and promoting Yoruba heritage, Illuminate Nigeria Development Network (INDN) has unveiled a documentary fellowship aimed at fostering cultural awareness among young media professionals. The fellowship, themed “Promoting Yoruba Identity through Documentary,” is part of INDN’s Media Mentoring Initiative (MMi) and targets final-year students in public universities aspiring to become documentary filmmakers.
The three-month immersive program seeks to deepen participants’ understanding of Yoruba culture by engaging them in authentic storytelling that explores Yoruba philosophies, governance and way of life.
At the opening ceremony, the fellowship’s convener, broadcaster, and multi-genre media personality Anikeade Funke-Treasure underscored the initiative’s focus on preserving the Yoruba language and traditions.
“We cannot sit in criticism and wail about how our young ones do not share our knowledge of language and the nuances of our culture while doing nothing to change the status quo,” she said.
Funke-Treasure expressed pride in the shortlisted student fellows, highlighting their compelling documentary pitches on themes like Yoruba names, Oriki (lineage praise poetry), traditional fashion, and Yoruba cuisine.
Renowned filmmaker Tunde Kelani delivered the keynote address, applauding the initiative’s innovative approach to cultural preservation. Kelani emphasized the role of storytelling in safeguarding Yoruba heritage amid the challenges of globalization.
“Yoruba people are known worldwide for their rich culture, profound history, and timeless traditions,” Kelani noted. “However, many aspects of this heritage risk being forgotten or misunderstood. Storytelling through documentaries is a vital tool to counteract this.”
Kelani urged participants to embrace modern technology, using tools like smartphones to document Yoruba festivals, interview elders, and create content celebrating traditional music, art, and cuisine.
“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,” he added.
The fellowship has already attracted significant interest and is expected to yield impactful documentaries that inspire pride in Yoruba culture. As it progresses, the programme aims to expand its reach and influence, ensuring that Yoruba heritage continues to thrive in an evolving global landscape.
