NAN-ELS-1
Culture
By Taiye Baiyerohi
Lagos, May 26, 2017(NAN)Dr Barclays Ayakoroma, the Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) has urged Nigerian children to become the ambassadors of their cultures by making them part of their lives.
Ayakoroma made the plea in Lagos during the celebration of the 2017 International Children’s Day organised by the institute with the theme “Our Culture, Our Pride and Heritage”.
He said that the theme was carefully selected to bring to the fore the importance of Nigerian culture in the life of the younger generation.
Ayakoroma said the children should uphold and practice their national culture by living and embracing them daily.
He said that children should always know that their culture was their main source of identity which should be guarded jealously.
“I want you all to know that you should practise your culture by wearing your native dresses, speaking your indigenous languages, dancing your indigenous dances and singing your local songs,’’ he said.
Also, the chairman of the event, Mr Anthony Onwumah, a senior lecturer from the Covenant University, Ota in Ogun, said that corruption became part of us because Nigerians sopped being proud of their culture.
“A lot of national problems will be solved when these young ones are well educated on the importance of embracing our culture.
“I want you all to know that you can make a difference and affect your colleagues positively through good character, sound dress sense and speaking your indigenous languages,’’ he advised.
The role model of the day, Miss Tamara Eteimo, a renowned actress advised the children to make their parents their true friends who they could share their fears with.
“Do not confide in your friends but your parents who can give you the best advice,’’ she said.
NAN reports that there were various cultural presentations on how children could better appreciate and embrace the various Nigerians cultures.
The event featured the rendition of the National Anthem in the indigenous languages, traditional fashion parade, traditional music and dance.
There were also discussions on: “The Importance of Language to National Development’’ and “Decent Dressing and the Nigerian Dress Culture,’’ (NAN)
TB/MNA/PAD
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Edited by Maureen Atuonwu/Peter Dada