The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said that the World Culture Day is a mile stone event that has galvanized not only stake holders of the cultural sector but the generality of the society in promoting the values of culture as well as celebrating its immeasurable contributions towards the growth and development of our Nation.
The Minister made this statement at the day two event organized to mark the world culture day 2022 with the theme: Culture National Unity and Security, organized by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture in collaboration with UNESCO, Chinese Cultural Center, Indian High Commission and The Ministry’s Agencies held at the National Press Center Radio House Abuja.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed who was represented by the Director, Planning Research and Statistic Mr. D.Z Seddon stated that the theme of the event Culture National Unity and Security, is centric to the present day reality in our National life and calls for deep reflection.
He further stated that it is an established facts that without security no nation can make any significant progress or achieve holistic growth and development ‘’culture is vita in promoting National Unity and this assertion is premised on broad perspective.
Culture also provides alternative dispute resolution channels as such, it allows parties in a conflict to dialogue and work out solutions to a conflict through our traditional institutions”. The Minister thanked the organizers of the event and also implored everyone to continue to be their brother’s keeper as embedded in our Culture.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mrs. Adora Ifeoma Anyanwutaku, who was represented by the Deputy Director Overseeing Entertainment and Creative Services Department, Federal Ministry of Information, Mrs. Akudo Ugo Nwosu, said that the Nigerian culture has continued to inspire various artistic expressions from music, film cinematography, fashion, photography, arts and craft, etc, providing the leverage for indigenous artist to tap into the vast resources of our unique culture in creating various forms of areas that have continued to blaze the trail globally.
She further stated that our diversity is our strength, and Nigerians are free to live in any part of the country other than their ancestral homes. “Our unique diverse cultural heritage is a unifier and irrespective of differences in expressions, we share commonality in certain aspects of our way of life. This is why we must continue to place more emphasis on the tide that binds us as a people”.
She appreciated the organizing Committee for working assiduously in making the event a success.
The Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy Mr. LI XUDA, while giving his remarks, said that culture is the foundation of National development and the driving force of special progress “Both china and Nigeria are cultural giants with a long history. Culture plays important role in the historical process of National independence and revitalization. The relationship between two countries is based on the affection between two countries civilians, cultural exchanges really can make it possible”.
Here I do hope the cultural exchanges between us will be further strengthened through co-organizing wonderful cultural event like today celebration, He added.
Highlight of the event were cultural dances from different dance troupes, presentations from various schools in Abuja showcasing different Cultural Performances, Poetries, Dialogues, Question and Answers session and Presentation of Gifts to participating schools.
The representative of the Honorable Minister of Information and Culture, and other dignitaries later inspected the Exhibition Stands.
Okom Ebony
SIO (ICT)
