The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, in partnership with relevant stakeholders in Abuja, on Wednesday, held a road show to showcase the nation’s cultural diversity.
Its Director, Entertainment and Creative Services, Mrs Ugochi Nwosu, said this while marking the 2023 World Culture Day with its theme “Embracing Cultural Diversity: Building bridges for a Harmonious World’’
The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development celebrates not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.
Nwosu said that the ministry was marking the 2023 World Culture Day for diversity and development to create awareness on the importance of culture to national development.
“We are also creating awareness on the potential of the Nigerian culture and creative economy to nation’s building.
“Today, we are showcasing some of our elements of our culture, creative economy and economic diversification.
“This sector is a sector that will enhance and develop our economy and create jobs for our teeming population.
“As you can see, the youths are here and everybody is here to showcase our diversity. We are showcasing the manifestation of our cultural diversity and that is the strength of Nigeria.
“It is also a day to create awareness on the need for cultural dialogue. From culture to dialogue, they bring out the potential of the entire population,’’ she said.
Also, Miss Gold Ugoji of Black Bones Theatre Company stressed the need for Nigerians to embrace cultural diversity to become more united and stronger as a nation.
According to her, this roadshow is a good avenue to celebrate our culture and heritage as Nigerians.
Ugoji said, “I’m feeling privileged to be a part of it. Nigeria is a very blessed and rich country. If we can really take advantage of the diversity God has blessed us with, we will be greater than any country in the world.
“Nigeria is diversified culturally and we need to embrace that culture to become more united and stronger as a nation.’’
According to Emmanuel Danladi, the roadshow will tell people about the cultural diversity of Nigeria.
He said, “Nigeria stands to gain unity because no matter your state, tribe and ethnic group wherever you are coming from, just know that we are one. We are a unified power with this name called Nigeria.”
Another participant, Martha Patrick, said that the road show would assist in uniting Nigerians irrespective of their cultural diversities.
“I feel very excited and happy. I pray that this will go a long way to uniting Nigerians. Culture is very important no matter where you come from, no matter the differences, culture always brings us together.
“My advice to Nigerian youths is that they should take advantage of this culture. We can make so many things from the culture, not just unity and diversity but also we can make good money.
“This can be achieved by taking it out there and people abroad love our culture so much.
“So, it is time for our parents, leaders, statesmen and each and everyone to come together to tell our children and youths more about culture,’’ she said. (NAN)
