BY OSA AMADI

It appears that a new vista and knowledge is unfolding in the Nigerian socio-political environment: the awareness of the efficacy of using arts and culture for national integration and unity.

D-G, National Council for Arts & Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe (left) with Gabriel Aduda, Perm Sec, Political & Economic Affairs Office, SGF Office, during AFAC 2017

One of the cogent examples is the 2017 Ojude Oba Festival which took place recently in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, amidst customary pomp and pageantry. The occasion was used to explore avenues of national integration. The main sponsor, Globacom, called for a deepening of unity in the country through intense learning of the histories, culture and traditions of the federating communities by youths.

In  a goodwill message by Globacom’s Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga, he observed that the theme of the 2017 celebration, Ojude Oba: A Rich Heritage For Ijebu Unity, was a confirmation of the truism that traditions, cultures and religious beliefs were necessary ingredients that would weld peoples and races throughout the history of mankind.

“We also wish to appeal to all Nigerians irrespective of ethnic and religious persuasions to do all within their capabilities to strengthen that cord of unity that has always bound us together. We owe the present generation and posterity the responsibility to join forces with men and women of goodwill to sustain the renewed drive towards the historical and cultural renaissance of our country”, Dr. Adenuga said.

He added that Globacom’s sustained partnership with the Ojude Oba Festival Committee was in tandem with its commitment to constantly be at the forefront of major initiatives aimed at accentuating the best of Nigeria’s cultures, values, desires and traditions.

He expressed pride in the rising profile of Globacom as the biggest corporate promoter of Arts including celebration of traditions, cultures and desires of Nigeria, adding that the company would continue to support Ojude Oba Festival and sustain provision of world class voice and data infrastructure that would enable all Nigerians to communicate seamlessly within the nation and across the world.

At another forum, the Emir of Karshi, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Isma’ila Mohammed said that by promoting Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, the Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture, is promoting Nigeria’s unity.

the statement was made by the Emir at the opening ceremony of the 2017 edition of African Arts & Craft Expo. “Runsewe is promoting our culture and also our unity, especially in this time of separatist agitations,” said the Emir, arguing that it is better to be a large country than to be a small country. “Large countries are stronger. Small countries are weak.

The Emir also postulated that when countries break, the parts tend to become permanent enemies, giving examples with the breakup of the former USSR, and how the parts have continued to be enemies to one another.

This new awareness about the potency of Arts & Culture in promoting peace and unity in a tense country like Nigeria is worth embracing by all, especially by the federal government. Arts and culture are surely preferred counter measure tools for unity than force of arms.