Culture Can Unite Nigeria, Says Soyinka

Nobel Laureate and Cultural Ambassador, Professor Wole Soyinka has urged Nigerians to explore the rich cultural values of the nation to strengthen her unity.

Professor Soyinka who spoke on the topic, “Reminiscing the Past, Consolidating the Future,” at the colloquium organised by the Rivers State Government as part of activities for the on-going Port Harcourt CARNIRIV said that culture symbolises unity, while at the same time providing an avenue for inspiration.

He contended that past efforts by some African intelligentsia to revive the continent’s culture were stultified by the rise of despots across the continent.

Such despots including the late Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo amongst others, according to him, elected themselves to the status of goddesses who were worshipped by their people.

He, however, said that some politicians in Africa including Nigeria are now blazing the trail through the revival of the continent’s rich cultural heritage.

Professor Soyinka also condemned the activities of some past Nigerian leaders to import into the country foreign culture in the name of bilateral relations and warned against a mixture of culture and politics.

Also speaking, the Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Nabbs Imegwu said that the introduction of colloquium into the CARNIRIV was to further improve the event.

Dr Imegwu said that the CARNIRIV has undergone series of transformation to a multi brand package that meet international standard.

He said that the good people of Rivers State are celebrating an administration that has impacted so much on the people.

The colloquium was declared open by the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru.