The incoming democratic dispensation, to be inaugurated on May 29, presents an ample opportunity for the country to reposition its behavioural orientation to meet developmental aspirations of the new era, culture stakeholders have advised.
They spoke at a one-day programme, organised by National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), yesterday, in Abuja, with the theme: ‘Culture, Peace and National Rebirth: Agenda Setting’.
NCAC Director-General, Olusegun Runsewe, said the event is engendering a conversation that would lead to national discourse on need for all to work for peace, development and general wellbeing of Nigerians. He noted that there has been no time since end of the civil war that the country is this polarised along primordial and parochial lines.
Runsewe alluded that this year’s general elections amplified the nation’s frailties. His words: “The tension, bitterness, rancour and acrimony generated by the electioneering campaigns have tended to further fuel the embers of distrust and disunity among Nigerians.”
Runsewe said the disturbing development has impacted the country’s youths.
“There’s the growing feeling of alienation among the vast majority of our youths, manifesting in various forms of restiveness, internationalisation and exhibition of vices that are at variance with our culture.”
Also speaking, former Director at the National Orientation Agency, Dr. David Manya Dogo, in his paper, titled, ‘Engendering Religious Tolerance for National Unity’, stressed the need to eschew religious sentiments.
He corroborated Runsewe that Nigerians were sharply divided along religious and ethnic cleavages during the polls. Others who spoke were Mrs. Rebecca Ede, Dr. James Komolafe, among others.
