ARTCO 2024: NICO Harps On Harnessing Nigeria’s Diverse Identities For Strong National Identity

To further strengthen the nation’s unity and enhance national development, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, NPC, Dr. Dili Ezughan wants Nigerians to effectively harness the country’s diverse identities for a strong and prosperous Nigeria.

He made the call during the Annual Roundtable On Cultural Orientation, ARTCO, organized by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, NICO in Abuja.

Dr. Ezughan who was the Chairman of the occasion said Nigeria can take positive advantage of its cultural identity and 521 languages in the country to build a strong nation where every citizen can be proud of.

He described the youths as the strength of the nation hence the need for them to be united in building a better Nigeria worthy of emulation.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s ARTCO “Harnessing Nigeria’s Diverse Cultural Identities To Berth A Strong National Identity”, the Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, NICO, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye said the theme was carefully chosen to chart a new course for national unity and development.

“We are gathered here today to discuss a vital topic that resonates deeply with our mission because our diversity is a treasure trove of our creativity, innovation and purpose but we have often allowed these differences to divide us rather than unite us and in NICO we believe that our cultural identities are the threads that weave together our fabrics and nationhood for this reminds me of the wise words of our National Anthem “Though tribes and tongues may differ in brotherhood we stand” He stated.

In his words “By Harnessing our diverse cultural identities, we can build a strong national inclusive, resilient, dynamic, and prosperous nation; a Nigeria where our diversity is celebrated not tolerated , a Nigeria where our cultural identities are the foundation of our strength and not the source of our weakness”.

“We must recognize that our cultural identities are not mutually exclusive but rather complimentary and we should therefore celebrate, promote and integrate our cultural heritage into our lives and to achieve this we must foster inclusivity, encourage cultural exchange, develop cultural education and promote cultural tourism” the NICO Executive Secretary stressed.

While advocating a National Language that would further unite Nigerians, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye said NICO would continue to embark on programmes that would harness the country’s culture for the betterment of the citizens.

“Let us work together to make this vision a reality, let us harness our diverse cultural Identities to anchor a strong national identity that will propel and make us a beacon of hope for generation to come” He added.

In his paper presentation entitled “Integrating Cultural Heritage into Education and Governance for Economic Transformation and National Cohesion” , Prof. Femi Omotosho of the Department of Political Science, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti stressed the need for Nigerians to develop keen interest in appreciating and celebrating their cultural heritage for national unity and development

Also in a paper presentation entitled “Fostering Intergenerational and Inter -ethnic Understanding and Collaboration for National Identity”, Prof Mabel Evwierhoma of Department of Theatre Arts, University of Abuja described cultural as a vital tool for national growth

The Annual Roundtable on Cultural Orientation, ARTCO which was attended by Stakeholders in the Cultural Sector, NYSC Members among others featured cultural display and presentation of communique.