Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to embrace cultural diversity and reject divisive tendencies, emphasizing that peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among the nation’s diverse ethnic groups are essential to national development.
She made the remarks at the National Cultural Unity Symposium, held at the Abuja International Conference Centre, an event organized by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture in collaboration with several civil society organizations. The theme of the symposium was “Unity in Diversity: Building a Harmonious Nigeria.”
In her keynote address, the First Lady emphasized that Nigeria’s multicultural makeup should be seen as an asset rather than a source of division.
“We are a country blessed with over 250 ethnic groups, each with its own language, customs, dress, music, and food. Instead of allowing these differences to divide us, we must embrace them as symbols of our collective identity,” she stated.
She also stressed that cultural tolerance begins at the grassroots, calling on parents, religious leaders, educators, and community heads to instill values of respect and unity in the younger generation.
“Let us teach our children to respect other people’s traditions, languages, and beliefs. When we build understanding from the home, the entire nation benefits,” she added.
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The First Lady urged state governments and local councils to support cultural festivals, language preservation programs, and interethnic youth exchanges as tools for promoting unity.
During the event, cultural troupes from across the country performed traditional dances and poetry recitations reflecting Nigeria’s diverse heritage. A mini-exhibition featured indigenous textiles, crafts, and foods from the six geopolitical zones.
In attendance were Minister of Information and Culture, Mohammed Idris Malagi, traditional rulers, members of the diplomatic corps, women leaders, and youth representatives. The Emir of Zazzau, HRH Ambassador Nuhu Bamalli, who also spoke at the event, praised the First Lady’s ongoing efforts to unify Nigerians across religious and ethnic lines.
The First Lady also called on the media to play a more active role in promoting stories of national cohesion and discouraging hate speech.
“The media must rise above sensationalism and work with us to build bridges of understanding and dialogue,” she said.
She concluded by reaffirming her support for policies and programs that promote inclusivity, women’s participation in governance, and youth empowerment.
“A united Nigeria is possible. But it starts with respect, dialogue, and the celebration of who we are—as one people under one flag.”
NAN
