The National Institute for Cultural Orientation, NICO, has urged Nigerians to improve on intercultural dialogue to achieve Africa’s collective dream of sustainable development and peaceful co-existence.
Its Executive Secretary, Chief Biodun Ajiboye, made the call on Tuesday in commemoration of the 2024 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, known as the World Culture Day.
Ajiboye, in a statement through his Media Aide, Caleb Nor, said Nigerians must begin to appreciate the importance of intercultural interactions, diversity and inclusion by identifying culture as a panacea to societal peace.
“With this, our collective dream of sustainable development and peaceful co-existence can be achieved,” he said.
Ajiboye urged Nigerians to ensure that culture took the center stage in the developmental process of the nation.
He said the world culture day is a veritable platform and opportunity to underscore the values and potential of culture.
READ ALSO: 1.6 million Nigerians submit application for consumer credit scheme
“It is important for Nigerians to highlight and promote the appreciation of cultural diversity in fostering peaceful co-existence and sustainable development in a country like Nigeria, known for its ethnic and religious plurality.”
He said the current social decadence rocking the society as experienced in various parts of the country today, were as a result of the fact that Nigerians had considerably neglected their culture.
“To reverse the trend, we must not only campaign for the return of our culture, especially among the younger generation, but to ensure that it impacts deeply on them and their behaviour.”
Credible News reports that the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is an annual event celebrated on May 21 globally, as declared by the United Nations General Assembly and adopted by UNESCO General Conference in 2001.
Credible News.ng
