What is it that has made man what he is? Led him to where he is today? What is it that has made him soar high above other animals? What is it that gives his short existence a purpose? The answer to these questions lies not only in his matchless nature and profound intellect, but in his pattern of behaviour, values, arts, morals, customs and beliefs; his way of adapting to nature; his culture.
Culture is said to be the oil that keeps the society running, the force that keeps humanity afloat. This explains why it has remained the focal point of studies relating to man and society. No doubt, culture functions to establish the identity of a people, distinguishing the white from the black, the Greeks from the Barbarians, the Americans from the red Indians. It helps in facilitating social integration, by giving a people a common goal and prescribing common means to attain such. Its understanding equally prevents prejudice and discrimination between persons of varying races. However, the crux of this write-up lies in how the good utilisation of culture has the tendency 'to create a better future'. Not just a future-state of stability and equilibrium, but that of excellence and near-perfection.
The Yorubas and numerous other cultures, have a logically appealing moral-code and ways of peacefully resolving disputes. This system has been preserved mostly through 'owe' (proverbs), 'al?-apagbe' (folktales), 'ew?' (taboos) and 'oriki' (panegyrics). They fervently encourage hardwork, honesty and chastity. Their values are not cycled around luxury, but rather contentment and moderation. This is very germane because a state that gives room for materialism must inevitably welcome exploitation and wide-spread poverty.
Aside from diligence, Yorubas also value decency and the use of dignifying wears. This aspect of culture is observable from time immemorial. The Yorubas' buba and agbada, Indian Sari, Japanese geisha and kimono, and even the western suit, all lend credence to this. Consequences inherent in the deviance from decency include an increase in crime rates, most especially sexual harassments, thereby creating an atmosphere of unrest not fit for development. It is also noteworthy that to combat crime and foster unity, the traditional communal spirit is invaluably expedient. Gone are the days when elders were duly revered, when goods can be sold without the seller around, when lives were sacred and properties safe. Those days can return if only we give room for culture.