NAN-ELS-1
Culture
By Collins Yakubu-hammer
Abuja, Jan. 25, 2017 (NAN) A culture expert, Mr Emmanuel Adekoya, has advocated inter-cultural dialogue among Nigerians to promote peaceful coexistence in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that intercultural dialogue is a process that comprises an open and respectful exchange or interaction between individuals, groups and organisations with different cultural backgrounds or world views.
Adekoya told NAN in Abuja on Wednesday that mutual respect and understanding of cultures could go a long way towards ensuring collaboration between ethnic groups.
Cue in audio (Adekoya)
“The way to make culture promote peace in Nigeria is to carry out inter-cultural dialogue and the dialogue should be held in order to strengthen mutual understanding.
“When you understand other peoples’ culture, and you have respect for it, you can now begin to talk about how to now bring together in a melting pot the diverse cultures that we have.
“Without the inter-cultural dialogue, without an understanding of eachother’s cultures, you cannot talk about a synergy.
“But once we have the dialogue and people understand the nitty-gritty of eachother’s culture then it becomes easier to bring everything together, you co-exist harmoniously.
“That way you, you would have gone a long way toward ensuring peaceful coexistence.’’
Cue out audio
Inter-cultural dialogue seeks to develop a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and practices, to increase participation and the freedom and ability to make choices, to foster equality, and to enhance creative processes.
Adekoya stressed the need for states to replicate the Abuja Carnival where various cultures could be showcased for the promotion of creativity, mutual understanding and respect.
He said: “States participate in the Abuja International Carnival to showcase the various cultures that are in their states.
“And then they try to compete in a very good atmosphere where there is no strife or rancour just to show off the creative abilities of people in all the states.
“So when we have things like this (Abuja carnival) in place, it engenders peace and it (promotes) cooperation and harmony.’’ (NAN)
CMY/OSA/YEE
Edited by Shittu Obassa/Emmanuel Yashim
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