A nation without wholesome appreciation of its culture is a nation that cannot grow and innovate. This is why Nigeria is faced with a myriad of challenges ranging from moral decadence, banditry, kidnapping, corruption and economic instability.
In view of the above, the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has embarked on a nationwide seminar to advocate for the return of cultural values in Nigeria as a panacea for nation building.
To achieve this, the Institute has assembled experts to explore strategies that will promote unity, patriotism and value reorientation by creating awareness on the need to effectively manage our cultural diversity for sustainable development in the country.
Executive Secretary/CEO of NICO, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye says the nationwide advocacy for the return of cultural values is targeted at bringing cultural orientation to the fore as a major platform for promoting ethical practices, preserving cultural values and enhancing diversity management in Nigeria.
He is of the opinion that if Nigerians can be intentional about revisiting our cultural values, the ethical practices that form our way of life will not only reduce crime in the country but significantly contribute to national behaviour.
He maintains that with over 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria, the strength in our diversity equally presents challenges which makes the management of our cultural diversity very crucial in our quest to develop as a nation.
“Imagine a situation where Nigerians come to a point where ethics and values are held in high esteem and our cultural diversity is used to the advantage of all and for the progress of the country, it will go a long way to strengthen the moral and cultural foundations of our dear nation”.
“A nation without concerted efforts at moderating or determining expected behaviour of its citizens is a nation in chaos. We should be worried that before now, our cultural values, ethical values and patriotism were very high but for some reasons, the society has degenerated to a state where people now take laws into their hands because of our loss of focus on our cultural values and the inability to allow cultural values to shape and develop our younger people”.
He insists that for Nigeria to have peace and develop as a nation, there is need to bring back the right cultural values to instill in our younger ones and learn to curtail our excesses as a people.
The NICO annual seminar series on Ethics, Values and Management of Cultural Diversity in Nigeria is expected to hold in the six (6) geo-political zones with the first edition held in Abuja, the North-Central Zone on September 11, while the second edition for the South-West Zone is expected to hold on September, 24, 2025 in Akure, Ondo State.
Caleb Nor
Media Assistant to Executive Secretary, NICO.
