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Cultural Pride:

A CALL TO AWAKEN CULTURAL

VALUES, NOT ETHNICITY

- MONDAY GEORGE AND KAZEVER VALENTINE
expressions in Nigeria, form the bedrock of a
society where collaboration thrives over
competition, and unity trumps division.
Embracing these shared values does not negate
individual cultural identities. Patriotism, a
cornerstone of nation-building, can flourish
alongside the celebration of our diverse cultural
heritage. Nigerian literature, music and art are
testaments to this. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's
novels, infused with Igbo folklore and traditions,
capture the complexities of Nigerian life while
resonating with a global audience (Akintola126-
131). Fela Kuti's Afrobeat, a fusion of diverse
Nigerian musical influences, became a powerful
tool for social and political commentary,
transcending cultural boundaries (Olaniyan
2013). These artistic expressions demonstrate
igeria, a vibrant tapestry woven from over how cultural pride can fuel national pride without
250 distinct ethnic groups, pulsates with sacrificing our unique identities.
Na rich and diverse cultural heritage, yet, The path forward lies in actively promoting
the clarion call of "Arise, O compatriots!" often cultural exchange and understanding.
resonates amidst the echoes of ethnic tensions Educational institutions can integrate lessons on
and cultural misunderstandings. To truly answer diverse cultural practices, fostering respect and
this call, we must embark on a journey of appreciation for differences. Local festivals and
reawakening, not just individual identities, but celebrations can be transformed into platforms
the unifying threads that bind our diverse for showcasing the richness of each culture,
cultures together. This journey demands a shift creating a space for dialogue and mutual
away from the divisive rhetoric of ethnicity and understanding (Egube171-177). By encouraging
towards an embrace of the shared values dialogue and dismantling stereotypes, we can
embedded within our cultural heritage. chip away at the walls of ethnic division and build
Ethnicity, while a source of unique traditions and bridges of cultural solidarity.
customs, has tragically fuelled countless conflicts The call to "Arise O Compatriots!" is not only a call
in Nigeria. It has created a false binary of "us" to action, but a call to reflection. We must re-
versus "them," obscuring the fundamental truth examine the narratives that have fractured our
that our cultures, despite their differences, share nation and embrace the unifying threads woven
a common foundation of values. These values, into our cultural fabric. By celebrating our shared
rooted in respect for elders, communal living and values, promoting cultural exchange, and
a strong sense of belonging, offer powerful tools fostering mutual respect, we can awaken a
for building a stronger, more harmonious nation powerful force for unity – one that transcends
(Adeniyi142-156). ethnicity and builds a brighter future for Nigeria,
As an illustration, the concept of "Ubuntu" in a future where the richness of our diverse
Southern African cultures speaks to the cultures becomes the source of our collective
interconnectedness of all human beings. It strength and pride.
emphasises the importance of community,
collective responsibility, and the inherent worth WORK CITED
Akintola, K. A. "Cultural Values and National Unity in Nigeria." International
of every individual (Mkhatshwa 160-175). In a Journal of Social Science 2.2 (2011): 126-131.
similar manner, the Yoruba proverb "Ìrétí a bájẹkó Adeniyi, P. A. "Cultural Values and National Development in Nigeria." Journal
of Pan African Studies 13.7 (2019). 142-156.
o níbẹẹ," meaning "Let's share the food equally," Egube, C. O. "The Role of Culture in Promoting National Unity in Nigeria."
underscores the value of inclusivity and equitable International Journal of Humanities and Social Science 7.2, 2017.
Mkhatshwa, L. "Ubuntu: A South African Philosophy for a Global World."
distribution of resources (Akintola 126-131). These African Studies Review 59.3, 2016.
values, present across diverse cultural Olaniyan, T. FelaKuti and the Afrobeat Revolution. Routledge, 2013.