Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture on Thursday called on Nigerians to use culture as dialogue to improve human relations and social development.
Mohammed, who was represented by Ms Ifeoma Anyanwutaku, permanent secretary of the ministry, launched the appeal on World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development in Abuja.
The 2021 edition, on the theme: “Cultural diversity in the era of COVID-19”, aimed to awaken cultural awareness.
According to him, Culture Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate our cultures and deepen our understanding of the role of cultural values in promoting social cohesion and development.
“Each society is shaped by its distinct culture, be it language, cuisine, religion, fashion, architecture or music.
“The country’s rich and unique cultural heritage is an invaluable asset that continues to serve as a springboard to represent our nation’s image to the rest of the world.
“Despite our cultural diversity, we have continually forged a path towards a stronger, unified and indivisible nation.
“As the world rushes to find a lasting solution to the COVID-19 pandemic, with various countries collaborating and working tirelessly to save humanity from this common enemy, the vital lesson of our common humanity must be translated into our national lives. ”
The Minister noted that the pandemic has limited physical activity, giving us the unprecedented opportunity to live differently and take advantage of various technological channels and platforms to foster cultural diversity.
“We must therefore take advantage of the virtual platforms and digital technologies available to break down barriers and natural borders in the presentation and promotion of our rich tangible and intangible cultural products, as well as carry out our daily activities to fulfill our responsibility. social, ”he added. .
Mohammed praised the exceptional performance of two Nigerian artists, Dani Ogulu alias Burna Boy and Ayodeji Balogun alias Wizkid, for winning the prestigious Grammy Awards.
“It is worth mentioning that our artists have continued to present Nigeria‘s rich culture to the global entertainment scene.
“It wasn’t that long ago that two of our artists, popularly known as Burna Boy and Wizkid, won the prestigious Grammy Awards.
“This great achievement underscored the importance of Nigerian culture to inspire a wide range of artistic expressions,” he praised.
Mohammed called on all stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to complement the government’s efforts to build a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Nigeria for the benefit of all.
Previously, Anyanwutaku said that the vision of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has helped Nigerians understand the role of culture.
She added that with this role, the right conditions could be created for dialogue to improve understanding and improve human relations between different layers of society.
Anyanwutaku, represented by Ms Rose Kwarsen, deputy director of the Department of Cultural Heritage and Industry, said the process will promote national development.
“Today’s celebration is an indicator of the important role of culture, not only in shaping but also in opening up opportunities for people of different cultural backgrounds to interact and establish mutual understanding.
“In this context, I would like to stress that mutual understanding can only be established through dialogue.
“For a society to prosper politically and socio-economically, it is necessary to take advantage of the major role of culture in promoting social inclusion,” she said.
Anyanwutaku said Nigeria’s unique cultural diversity has played a vital role in promoting interaction between people from different cultural backgrounds.
The Permanent Secretary added that this cultural background has contributed immensely to building bridges between various ethnic groups in Nigeria.
The Nigerian News Agency (NAN) reports that the event brought together dignitaries from the Chinese Cultural Embassy, the National Film and Video Censorship Council, the National Gallery of Art and Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation.
The others are: the High Commissioner of India, representatives of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, Apo Anglican Girls’ High School and Tudun Wada College, among others.
