— Says children should be encouraged to speak our dialects fluently

By Dayo Johnson Akure

A Professor of Socio-Cultural History and Gender Studies, Victoria Kikelomo Olugbemi, has called on religious leaders in the country to preach the doctrine of unity rather than fueling disunity, violence and disintegration.

Olugbemi said this while delivering the 40th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo state.

The lecture was entitled ” Nation building in Nigeria: the historical intersections of gender religion and culture.

According to her, there’s need for “the awakening of the three religious leaders to use their sects to reconnect and rebind their members to the true teachings of their doctrines in order to unite Nigerians rather than fuelling the embers of disunity, violence and disintegration.

She pointed out that these are ” indoctrinated teachings that are not even rooted in their religious books or doctrines.

” The three religions in Nigeria must use their sects to ‘reconnect’ or ‘rebind’ women in their various areas of worship with the larger society to foster rapid economic development.

“Traditional, Christian, and Islamic practitioners should deeply study their respective religious beliefs, teachings, and doctrines (The Ifa Oracles, The Holy Bible and the Quran) to develop true convictions rather than merely preaching and practising indoctrinated messages to enhance peaceful coexistence in the country.

The lecturer added that ” irrespective of religious affiliation, many Nigerian festivals, such as those tracing sources of origin, upgrades of ages, and oral traditions about past rulers, should be reenacted to help knit community members closely together.

“Every historical site, art, and festival must be developed into museums for preservation and as tourist centers to generate revenue.

” A nation that disregards its history risks repeating its mistakes

“Conversely, if history is employed as a tool to rebuild Nigeria by reclaiming indigenous governance, fostering gender inclusiveness, promoting religious tolerance, and enhancing synergy and mutual understanding, collective progress and national identity will surely create a more united, developed, and economically robust nation.

Olugbemi also advised Nigerians to “make it a point of duty to ensure that their children are firmly rooted in their family history and traditional values, and must be encouraged to speak their dialects fluently.

On selection and installation of traditional rulers, Olugbemi said that “the Traditional rulers, as bearers of royal lineage, should be selected and installed into the throne in accordance with the established precolonial traditional customs and practices.

“Under no condition must they be regarded as government officials.

She asked the Federal government ” to commit a sizeable portion of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to between 25-30%, and empower women in rural areas to produce food on small, medium, and large scales.

“Deliberate efforts should be made to incorporate a system that enables women to participate in the mainstream of socioeconomic and political activities from the grassroots to the national level through legislation.

“All levels of government must promote an active and visible policy of mainstreaming gender perspectives in all policies and programme.

“Train women who are the agents of Nation-Building and Nigeria should domesticate the Beijing Plan of Action on the “Elimination of All Discrimination Against Women” (CEDAW) to enable women to participate fully alongside men in policy and decision-making.

“Sanctions against gender-based violence and sexual harassment should be properly implemented without favoritism to ensure peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable development to enable their meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s development building.

“The achievements of women should be properly documented to encourage the upcoming girl-child.

“Since Nigeria is a signatory to CEDAW, men at all levels should embrace women as equal partners, as they constitute significant assets to nation-building.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, in his remarks lauded the lecturer for her dedication to scholarship, gender advocacy, and service to humanity.