BY VERA SAMUEL-ANYAGAFU

“Government should use culture to promote national unity. This can be done by putting in place a cultural policy that will promote patriotism and national unity. We can start from the school system where the minds of the children are still open and free.” The proprietor, National College Gbagada Lagos, Mr. Alfred Aina made this observation  during the maiden edition of cultural day organised by the college.

According to Aina, the school organised the event to teach the children how they can appreciate the language and culture of other nationalities apart from their own. “The whole idea is that we want the children to understand the cultural beauty and uniqueness of the various peoples of Nigeria. This will promote cultural convergence and cooperation amongst our children. It is our belief that when a people understand each other, they work in unity.”

Mr. Aina also called on government to encourage cultural bonding particularly at the level of the school system where children’s minds are innocent and subtle.

For children to appreciate the culture of other nationalities he advocated home stay exchanges between children from different cultural backgrounds.

He believes, this will lead to unity of purpose and promote mutual trust and understanding among Nigerians. The college has also created opportunities for the children to learn various Nigerian languages. This is important for the college which is determined to produce de-tribalised Nigerians who can speak at least two to three Nigerian languages fluently. To encourage the children in this regard, the college will give cash prizes and scholarships to students who can converse fluently in all three major Nigerian languages.

To support his case for a strong cultural policy the proprietor mentioned the example of New Zealand where peaceful co-existence of different cultures has become an enduring symbol of cultural convergence. If New Zealand which comprises the Maoris, the Chinese and Scottish can achieve peace and unity, Nigeria can also do the same, Mr. Aina noted.

The cultural day featured various presentations of music, drama and dance by various groups of students who represented different Nigerian cultural groups. The Yoruba cultural dance was represented by both Yoruba and Igbo children. Six colleges were invited to participate in the event. There was a quiz competition based mainly on culture and tradition of the various Nigerian Nationalities. Top flight school in Gbagada came first in the quiz competition, Gbagada Senior High School came second while Lanre Awolokun High School Gbagada came third.