Nigeria celebrates World Culture Day

Various events were organized to increase the understanding of issues around cultural diversity and development among governments, non-governmental organizations and the public. Many of these include presentations on the progress of implementing the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. Other events lined up included Seminars for professionals, educational programs for children and young adolescents, the launch […]

Various events were organized to increase the understanding of issues around cultural diversity and development among governments, non-governmental organizations and the public. Many of these include presentations on the progress of implementing the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity.

Other events lined up included Seminars for professionals, educational programs for children and young adolescents, the launch of collaborations between official agencies and ethnic groups, exhibitions to help people understand the history of various cultural groups and the influence on their own identities, celebrations to create greater awareness of cultural values and the need to preserve them.

The General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity in Paris, France, on November 2, 2001. It was the 249th resolution adopted at the 57th session of the United Nations General Conference. Although the declaration was the culmination of years of work, it was adopted in the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. This reaffirmed the need for intercultural dialogue to prevent segregation and fundamentalism.

Nigeria as the most populous black nation in the world with diverse culture, customs and languages on Monday May 24th, celebrated the day  with a colourful event held at Women Development Centre in Abuja.

The event put together by the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation in collaboration with (UNESCO) was graced by dignitaries, diplomats, scholars, students   and stakeholders in the cultural sector.

There were also paper presentations by eminent scholars among  whom is Professor Austin Ovigue  Asagba  of  the  Department  of Theatre Arts and Cultural Studies, University  of Benin.

There were also drama, cultural dance, poetry, oratory, pictorial exhibitions and artefacts display.

In his address, Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed said the theme of this year`s  celebration: “Culture and National Development” has been carefully  chosen to reflect the mood of the nation as it grapples with the unfortunate spate of violence in some parts of the country during the last general elections

He explained that the World Day for cultural diversity is set aside by UNESCO to celebrate culture universally and accord it the prominence it deserves as a discipline which addresses human values, norms, ethics and human way of life.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Alhaji Ibrahim Mahe said that Nigeria has a lot to celebrate in terms of her rich cultural heritage, which is a product of our plurality, diversity, multi-ethnicity  and multi-culturalism.

“we have made great strides in such areas as arts and crafts producing such international giants as Ben Enwuonwu, Bruce Onabrakpeya. Ladi Kwali, Duro Onabolu, Dan Maraya Jos, Osita Osadebe, Sunny Ade etc. These people have helped to place Nigeria high in the international art world,” he said.