NAN-ELS-10
Culture
By Oladapo Udom
Lagos, Jan. 19, 2017 (NAN) An arts and culture management expert, Mr Tope Babayemi, has urged Nigerians not to exclude the cultural aspect of their lives in their effort at nation-building.
Babayemi, who is the Chief Executive Officer, Different Aesthetics, Arts and Culture Management, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday.
According to Babayemi, the development of a country should be hinged on the divergent cultures of its people.
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“We need to get serious and face the arduous task of nation building but we got to be careful that while we are concentrating on nation building we do not forget the cultural angle.
“If we do, we are going to miss the point because any development not predicated on a solid cultural foundation will lack originality will therefore lack sustainability.
“So, we need to professionalise culture and its management. If we are expecting world class results then we have got to put in world class efforts.
“So, it is my hope that in the year 2017, government will provide the right leadership and direction that can galvanise the cultural sector into action.
“Re-invigorate the structures that are on ground, so that the private sector and international community who contribute significantly in terms of funding, sponsorship, grants and partnership.
“Will see that leadership and direction come from government and follow suit.’’
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He told NAN that he was optimistic that arts and culture would thrive under leadership of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. (NAN)
OUU/ERO/DOR/YEE
Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Nyisom Dore/Emmanuel Yashim
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