Veteran Nollywood actress, Rose Odika, is set on another path to give back to the society.Revealing her intention to promote the Yoruba culture through the fourth edition of her pet project, Ewa- Asa, which will be hosted by Oba HRM, Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, she noted that the star-studded event “is an annual competition in which youths come together to showcase different talents and dance groups in undiluted Yoruba language, with the intention to promote integral talent development through holistic approach without any form of discrimination against any person or group.”
Speaking on what inspired her to pursue her Ewa Asa dream, she posited: “The inspiration came when I was going through the culture of the Yorubas.
I saw that in Yoruba culture, there is a lot to be celebrated. The Yoruba language is very rich and unique, but I noticed that most Yoruba folks do not allow their children to speak Yoruba, and it will be unfortunate if the language becomes extinguished.
Thus, I thought about bringing forth an event which will bring out youths to speak in undiluted Yoruba for 15 minutes, and the first, second and third winners will be given handsome cash prizes, it is just my way of giving back to the society.”
Despite being Delta State-born, she said: “I have lived here all my life. I am an actress who features in Yoruba films, thus, the Yoruba culture made me who I am, so I cannot teach what I don’t know. The event is still open to sponsors who want to identify with the Ewa- Asa brand and the culture in general.
“We also want people to celebrate the Yoruba culture, as different ethnic groups have different dance steps, foods and peculiarities, which are unique to them, Some children have never come in contact with masquerades. An average Yoruba person doesn’t know what is Gelededance, and this is one of the things we want to showcase with the event which will be graced by many celebrities and eminent personalities.”
