The Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), Mr Ferdinand Anikwe,  has identified ethnic virus as one of the causes of social crisis and political instability in the country.
Anikwe made this known in an interview with newsmen  in Abuja recently.
“Ethnicity has been perceived in general as a major obstacle to the overall political and economic development of the country.
“Chinua Achebe, who once said that there is absolutely nothing wrong with the Nigerian character, however, said that the trouble with Nigeria is simply a failure of leadership.
“And I believe that this statement applies to other countries of Africa,’’ he said.
“Africa, whichever way we may look at it, remains in deep crisis. I do not intend to be pessimistic, but the truth is that the crisis posed by politics, economy, and culture are deepening.”
Anikwe said that Africa’s development must be conceived on the basis of its diverse cultures because the ethnic virus problem was laid in the failure to recognise and appreciate other people’s cultures.
“Any developmental plan that does not recognise or take into cognisance Africa’s very rich cultural potentials is bound to fail.
“Africa’s unity in diversity must be of urgent necessity for Africa to make any meaningful headway in terms of her developmental efforts.’’
The CBAAC D-G said that many cultures co-existed within the geographical unit known as Nigeria with an estimated population of over 160 million people, and about 450 ethnic-bound cultures that co-existed in it.
“Therefore we must appreciate, accept and promote our multiple cultures within a given society with the resultant possibility of accelerated growth and development.
“This multiculturalism encapsulates the multiple cultures that co-exist within a well defined territory and each member of the group within these cultures must respect and recognise every person’s right for mutual and harmonious co-existence.’’
Anikwe said that inter-cultural dialogue and respect for diversity were more essential than ever in a world where people were becoming more and more closely inter-connected.
“It is worthy to note that mere tolerance of group differences fall short of treating members of a particular culture group as equal citizens in a pluralistic society.”
He advised that sincere recognition and positive accommodation of group differences were necessary in building a viable society.