THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
The Association of Yoruba Progressive Community (AYPC) Bayern e.V. is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its founding. The group’s members are from the Yoruba-speaking areas of Nigeria living in the state of Bavaria and they support each other as well as promote their culture in Germany.
Events commemorating the milestone commenced on 1 June in the Bavarian city of Munich with a ‘Health Awareness Day’ at which the issue of personal health was the focus.
“Like the Yoruba saying goes health is wealth,” Alfred Fatai Wilson, president of the AYPC Bayern, said in declaring the event open. He added that the association believes that Africans living in the diaspora may face unique health challenges due to factors such as cultural differences and lifestyle changes which was why it chose to hold the event.
“It is important for us to pay special attention to our health to ensure we are receiving appropriate medical care, managing any chronic conditions effectively and maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” Mr Wilson said.
The seminar, addressed by health professionals, emphasised the importance of diaspora Africans paying close attention to their health. By prioritizing their health, the specialists say, Africans in the diaspora can reduce their risk of developing health issues, improve their overall well-being and enjoy a better quality of life.
The doctors advise that it is essential for Africans to stay informed about healthcare resources available to them and to actively engage in preventive measures to protect their long-term health. “It is important to prioritize healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate hydration and sufficient rest,” one of the speakers advised.
A symposium on culture and religion was the second event celebrating the 10th anniversary of AYPC Bayern and it took place on 22 June in Munich. This is a particularly complex subject matter as the boundaries of religion and culture often overlap leading to difficult choices.
The discussions therefore focused on understanding Yoruba culture and how it can be reconciled with religious beliefs.
The speakers, Prof Raymond Ogunade of the Department of Religious Studies of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, and Chief Bosun Oode of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, Oshogbo, Nigeria, delved into the issues of cultural practices and religion.
The discussions, moderated by Sesan Iwaloye, President of the Egbe omo Yoruba Koblenz, emphasised that promoting education about different religions and cultures can help people understand and respect diversity.
The speakers praise the culture of religious tolerance among the Yorubas, a multireligious people, and advocated for continued open and respectful dialogue between different religious and cultural groups to help foster mutual understanding.
The Yoruba Cultural Celebration Day, the final event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of AYPC Bayern, will take place on 20 July in Munich. According to Fatai Wilson, the event will bring Yoruba as well as non-Yoruba people together to promote a general interest in Yoruba culture in Germany.
Among the special guests expected in Munich for the day are the Acting Head of Mission of the Nigerian Embassy in Germany; Akinola Famson, President of the Egbe Isokan Omo Yoruba, Germany; and Femi Awoniyi, Publisher of The African Courier.
The event will feature traditional and contemporary Nigerian music performances, a fashion show and an award presentation, among other activities.
Sola Jolaoso
Yoruba Cultural Celebration Day
Date: Saturday, 20 July 2024
Venue: Schulzentrum, Quiddestrasse 4, 81737 Munich, Germany
Contact to organisers: +491729745961, +491742101425
About the Yorubas
Yoruba people are an ethnic group native to south-western and north-central Nigeria as well as southern and central Benin. They are believed to number over 40 million people, majority of whom are Nigerians.
Constituting about 21% of Nigeria’s population, Yoruba are one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa.
READ MORE Yoruba Festival showcases Nigerian culture in Vienna, Austria
