Embrace Your Cultures With Pride, Minister Musawa Urges Nigerians
By Roselyn James
Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Minister of Arts and Culture, has called on Nigerians to embrace the nation’s cultural diversity, highlighting it as a source of strength and unity.
This appeal was made during the 2024 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, commonly known as World Culture Day.
In her address, Minister Musawa emphasized the importance of valuing and promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
She encouraged Nigerians to take pride in their culture and recognize its potential to enhance social and mental health, drive economic growth, and foster national cohesion.
“The diversity of our cultures and ethnicities should be used to promote communication, understanding, and peaceful coexistence,” said Musawa.
She urged Nigerians to view their differences not as a source of division but as a foundation for unity and strength.
Minister Musawa highlighted World Culture Day as a platform to raise awareness about the significance of cultural diversity in promoting peaceful coexistence, which is crucial for socio-economic development.
“It is a day for reflection on our nation’s current state. With the multitude of cultures and ethnicities in our beautiful country, it is our duty to shift perceptions of those different from us to combat negative vices such as terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry, and to progress as a unified nation with a shared vision,” she stated.
The Minister further reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s creative economy and improving the country’s global standing.
“In line with its Eight-point Plan to establish Nigeria as Africa’s Creative Capital by 2030, the Ministry will continue its relentless efforts in collaboration with its agencies and partners,” Musawa affirmed.
Read Also: IEDPU Northern Zone Hails Appointment of AU Mustapha as Varsity Council Chair
“I assure you that the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy will keep working tirelessly with our agencies and relevant stakeholders to improve the lives of our people and enhance Nigeria’s image. This is part of the Ministry’s mandate to harness the potential of Nigeria’s Creative Economy for socio-economic empowerment, economic diversification, and job creation,” she added.
The Minister, therefore, urged Nigerians to embrace their diversity with pride and appreciation. “Let us present our culture with deep pride and appreciation. Our diversity is our strength and unity, from which we can build a progressive nation for all,” she said.
INCNews247 recalls that the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated May 21st of each year as the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, or World Culture Day, to promote awareness of the role that culture plays in sustainable socio-economic growth and development.
