The Nigerian Government has been called upon to encourage and promote the culture and traditions of the people so as to ensure peace, unity, progress and development in the country.
The call was made by Chief (Barr.) Tamunokuro Alex Amie Jubordie Somiary (Amie Jubordie I) of Famie Jubordie Somiary Town Port-Harcourt on the occasion of World Cultural Diversity Day celebrated recently in the country, stressing that a man without culture is nobody. He said culture is way of life of the people and should be embraced by all.
Chief Tamunokuro who is also the traditional ruler of Somiary-Ama in Port-Harcourt City Local Government Area, expressed regret that Nigerian culture is going into extinction owing to lack of seriousness on the part of the people in promoting their culture, pointing out that something need to be done to revive it.
While commending the people for marking the day in style, he said: “It is a welcome development that we are celebrating our cultural day”.
He advised the people not to allow their culture to die no matter the level of education attained or religious commitment.
He also wants the federal and state governments to include culture in the school curriculum, both primary and secondary, stressing that it would help the children to learn and know their culture.
He faulted some parents for not teaching their children to know their language and custom, and said that the development would have an adverse effect on the child, saying that “Language gives us identity, let’s promote our culture and encourage our children to speak our language”.
He spoke on the culture and tradition of the people of Somiary-Ama which he explained migrated from Okrika, Ogoloma in particular and revealed that the Okrikan and the Ikwerre have an age-long relationship in cultural festival, stressing that the two tribes in terms of cultural ties are very much united.
Speaking on the ongoing construction in the Somiary-Ama community he lauded NDDC for embarking on the project and advised the contractor handling the project not to use substandard materials which will not stand the test of time. He also urged the people to co-operate with them.
