Traditions That Have Helped Our Society – And The Ones We Need to Let Go Of.

As a Yoruba lady from Osun State, currently living in Lagos and studying Food Technology at Yaba Tech while working with Universal Insurance PLC, I’ve always been surrounded by a blend of cultural values, old traditions, and modern life. Nigeria is full of rich traditions that have shaped us in so many ways. Some of these traditions have truly helped to hold our society together, while others, honestly, need to be left behind.

One tradition I really appreciate is the respect we have for elders. In Yoruba culture, kneeling or prostrating to greet elders is seen as a sign of humility and good upbringing. It’s something I’ve grown up with, and I love how it teaches us respect and order. In a society like ours where things can easily become chaotic, this kind of structure helps us remember who we are.

Another tradition I value is the sense of community and togetherness. In many Yoruba towns, and even in other parts of Nigeria, when there’s a wedding, naming ceremony, or burial, people come together to support one another, even if they are not directly related. That spirit of unity is something that has helped our society, especially during hard times.

Even traditional foods and ways of cooking passed down from generations have played their part. Being a Food Technology student, I see how our traditional methods, like fermenting, drying, and preserving, are still useful today. They may not be “modern,” but they are effective, natural, and sometimes even healthier than processed methods.

However, there are also traditions that I believe are holding us back as a society.

all photos are mine

One of them is how people treat women, especially in certain rural areas. Some traditions still expect women to stay silent, not speak out, or accept suffering in silence, especially in marriages. In 2025, I believe this needs to change. A woman’s place is not just in the kitchen. Women have dreams, goals, and voices that matter. We should stop using “tradition” to limit progress.

Another harmful tradition is the stigma around mental health. In many families, when someone is struggling mentally, they are either ignored, mocked, or taken to a spiritualist instead of getting real help. Mental health is real, and it's time we treat it like we treat malaria or typhoid. Let’s change the idea that mental illness is a spiritual attack or a curse.

Lastly, we need to let go of the idea that only older people have wisdom. While elders have experience, young people also have fresh ideas. If our society will move forward, we need to blend tradition with innovation.

Tradition is good, but it must evolve with time. Let’s keep the values that build us up and drop the ones that pull us down.

Thanks for your time.