A revered gentleman, and senior lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Makinde Amos has called on Nigerians of different ethic nationalities to uphold the tenets of Traditional African Culture especially that of Nigeria.
He stated this in a chat with National Network over the weekend, expressing the view that moral decadence was a product of gradual erosion of the traditional culture of the people. He blamed the development on the craze for European and Western culture over and above our common heritage.
According to him, the Yoruba culture which used to be a classical example had been affected by Westernization. He noted that this has affected the way people see themselves and the culture of respect has been swept under the carpet based on preference for foreign ways of life. He cited an example of the Nigerian entertainment industry where contemporary musicians took most of their themes from foreign culture. He noted that there were occasions when culture could have a common value through education that opens the door for better understanding. He said before there can be international understanding there is the need for national understanding among Nigerians based on the full understanding of individual identity.
Dr. Makinde praised citizens home and abroad who took time to forge cohesion among groups with particular reference to ethnic associations. “Yoruba people from across different states celebrate oneness when they come together in Rivers State to form an indigenous group. I believe this has the tendencies to help unite the nation, boost understanding and respect for other people’s cultures,” he stated.
The scholar also stated that travelling within and outside the country is part of the way of showcasing Nigerian culture among Nigerian first and to the rest of the world.
He informed that this is part of the reason to celebrate the uniqueness of individuals and persons of impeccable qualities in the society regardless of their ethnic and political leanings.
Dr. Makinde observed that while politics appears to set Nigerians apart, the ethnic base remains a good platform for forging national unity and understanding.
