• Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Non-recognition of culture put nations in dire straits – NICO

Non-recognition of culture put nations in dire straits – NICO

A federal agency, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), on Thursday, said the neglect and non-recognition of culture as the roadmap and pillar of sustainable development have put many nations in dire straits.

Muhammed Yahuza, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NICO made the statement at a 2-day conference entitled, ‘Culture, Zonal Intervention Projects and National Development’ held in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

According to him, the 2-day conference was designed in order to sensitize Nigerians to appreciate the critical importance of culture to National Development.

Yahuza, who was represented by Ohi Ojo, Director Lagos office said the relevance of culture to national development could not be overemphasized.

Read also: Between culture and structure: Nigeria’s problem is more structural than cultural

The NICO Executive Secretary posited that research has shown that societies that have embraced the culture and made it the cornerstone of their development efforts have made remarkable progress and advancement in all indices of development.

“A deeper understanding of the place of culture to national development is therefore imperative in our quest for meaningful progress and sustainable socio-political and economic development of our nation.

“Our institute for instance has made a significant impact in promoting culture consciousness and creativity in our secondary school students nationwide.

“We wish to commend the Federal Government and the National Assembly for initiating and sustaining the fund over the years. There is no doubt that remarkable improvement has been achieved in the development of countless constituencies across the country,” Yahuza said.

He, therefore, admonished Nigerians to embrace the culture for the betterment and national development in the country.

While encouraging the traditional rulers in the state not to allow their cultural festivals to go into extension, Yemi Olowolabi, the Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, asked them to engaged professionals to assist them to repackage the traditional festivals for the benefit of their kingdom and world at large.