The Alabere of Abereland, Oba Obafemi Adelakin Mutalib Abiade II, has urged members of the 2026 Batch C Stream I to value, preserve and promote Yoruba culture while upholding good character wherever they find themselves.
The Monarch gave the charge on Monday while delivering a traditional lecture at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede, where he spoke extensively on Yoruba customs and traditions, language, greetings, respect, dressing, marriage and the responsibilities of young people.
Oba Adelakin emphasised the importance of greetings and respect in Yoruba culture, noting that the language reflects differences in age, gender and social status through its expressions and forms of address. He said respect and honour remained fundamental values that should not be lost to changing lifestyles.
Speaking on traditional dressing, the monarch described Yoruba attire and adornments as expressions of cultural identity and urged Corps Members, particularly the female, to dress decently and appreciate the cultural significance of traditional accessories.
He expressed concern over changing social values among young people, including what he described as indecent dressing, and urged the Corps Members to uphold values that promote dignity and responsible living.
On marriage and family life, Oba Adelakin attributed some contemporary family challenges to the neglect of traditional marriage processes and values. He urged young people to respect marriage and family institutions while maintaining peaceful relationships across religious and cultural differences.
The Monarch stressed the need for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, saying religious beliefs should not lead to the abandonment of the people's indigenous cultural heritage.
Oba Adelakin also encouraged the Corps Members to make positive impressions at their Places of Primary Assignment (PPAs), stressing that their service year should be an opportunity to learn, serve and build a foundation for the future.
Sharing his personal journey, the Monarch said he had worked as a driver and farmer and had served in different communities before ascending the throne. He urged the Corps Members not to despise humble beginnings, noting that experiences gained through honest work could contribute significantly to personal growth and future success.
He further encouraged them to explore entrepreneurship and other productive ventures rather than limiting their ambitions to government employment. He urged them to be good to others and wish people well, saying positive character and goodwill could open doors of opportunity.
The Monarch commended the NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mr Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, for promoting culture and tradition. He later offered traditional prayers for the Corps Members, praying for a peaceful and successful service year.
Earlier, Kubiangha expressed delight at the Monarch's presence and commended the Corps Members for their conduct, describing the 2026 Batch C Stream I as a “truly wonderful Stream.”
The State Coordinator urged the Corps Members to listen attentively to the traditional rulers, noting that they had much to learn from their wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom.
The lecture featured a question-and-answer session, a vote of thanks, three hearty cheers and a Yoruba panegyric in honour of the royal father.
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