In a heightened appeal for national unity, cultural leaders, policymakers, and scholars from across Nigeria have reiterated that the nation’s diverse cultural heritage must serve as a bond rather than a barrier. This message dominated discussions at a high level cultural policy forum held in Abuja on Monday, where participants examined the growing polarization in the country and the urgent need to reposition culture as a tool for peacebuilding.
Nigeria, home to more than 250 ethnic groups and countless languages, has long been celebrated for its rich cultural tapestry. However, attendees at the forum warned that the misuse of cultural identity often manipulated by political actors continues to deepen mistrust and heighten regional tensions.
Cultural anthropologist Dr. Amina Yusuf captured the sentiment in her keynote address, stressing that culture in its purest form exists to connect people. “Culture is our common thread,” she said. “It reflects our collective histories, values, and ways of life. When it becomes politicized or used to sow division, we lose the very essence of what binds us together as Nigerians.”
Dr. Yusuf explained that in many global societies, cultural exchange has been used effectively to strengthen national identity. She argued that Nigeria can follow the same path, but only if government institutions take cultural development as seriously as economic and security policy.
Other experts echoed her concerns. Professor Samuel Igbokwe, a historian from the University of Lagos, emphasized that culture has always been central to Nigeria’s survival, particularly during periods of economic hardship and political instability. “Our cultural institutions festivals, oral traditions, community gatherings have historically been avenues for resolving conflict and reinforcing unity,” he said. “We must return to these roots.”
Throughout the forum, panelists called on federal and state governments to increase investment in cultural education, heritage preservation, and inter ethnic exchange programs. They argued that many young people today have little exposure to the traditions of other regions, a gap that fosters stereotypes and encourages prejudice.
To address this, cultural organizations proposed the introduction of a mandatory national cultural exchange initiative for secondary school students. Such a program, they said, would allow students from different geopolitical zones to spend time in other regions, learning languages, participating in festivals, and living with host families. Advocates believe this hands-on approach could help build a more tolerant and informed generation.
Youth representatives at the event also highlighted the role of modern culture music, film, fashion, and social media in shaping national narratives. They noted that Nigeria’s creative industry is one of the country’s strongest unifying forces, with Afrobeats, Nollywood films, and contemporary art drawing global attention and blurring ethnic boundaries at home.
“We see young Nigerians collaborate across ethnic and religious lines in music studios, film sets, and digital creator spaces,” said Kemi Alade, a youth culture advocate. “This energy needs government support. Creative culture is doing what politics has struggled to do bringing Nigerians together.”
The forum concluded with a set of policy recommendations urging government ministries, traditional institutions, and civil society groups to promote cultural literacy, protect heritage sites, support local artisans, and integrate culture more deeply into national development plans.
Participants agreed that as Nigeria confronts economic challenges, security concerns, and political divisions, its cultural wealth remains an invaluable tool for healing and cohesion. The overarching message was unmistakable: culture must be reclaimed as a unifying force one powerful enough to help build a stable, peaceful, and inclusive Nigeria.
source: thenationonlineng.net
