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Parents, teachers stress the role of culture in promoting national identity and unity

Published

11 months ago

November 22, 2025

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Joe Ajayi
Parents and teachers in Abuja have identified culture as not just a tool for national identity but a driving force for national unity and stability.

The Chairperson, Parents Teachers Association (PTA), New Capital School, Dr, Rebecca Godwin-Isaac, said this at the schools cultural day celebration in Abuja on Friday.

Godwin-Isaac, represented by the Vice Chairman , Mr Amenah Ogheneruemu, described culture as a unifying factor that has continued to build bridges across different ethnic groups in the country.
“From the Hausa-Fulani to the Igbo, the Yoruba, the Edo, the Tiv, the Ijaw, the Kanuri, and many more, every culture in Nigeria adds something beautiful to our national identity.

“Like threads in one fabric, we are woven together by purpose. Our colors may differ, but together they form a masterpiece,” she said.

According to her, I am a living example of that unity. I come from Edo State and I am married to a wonderful man from Zuru in Kebbi State.

She explained that her children are the perfect blend of both cultures and a daily reminder of the power of love and respect with culture as a bridge.
Godwin-Isaac called on parents and teachers to remain firm in the face of economic challenges, saying that with unity and hope, victory is assured.

“As we celebrate today, we must also reflect. These are challenging times for many families.

“The economy is tough and life can be uncertain, but we must never lose hope. Nigerians are strongest when we stand together. Unity gives us the courage to overcome hardship.”

She also urged parents to always teach kindness and love to the children, which according to her is greater than tribe.

“To our dear parents, let us teach our children that kindness is greater than tribe and that love is the true language of unity.

“To our wonderful teachers, thank you for shaping these young minds with patience and dedication.
“And to our students, you are the heartbeat of Nigeria. Be proud of where you come from, but open your hearts to others.”

Godwin-Isaac admonished all to use the cultural day to reaffirm their commitment to national unity.

“As we dance, sing, and celebrate today, let us make a promise: to carry this spirit of togetherness beyond this event and into our daily lives.

“The Nigeria we dream of begins right here, in schools like New Capital, where every tribe, tongue, and tradition learns to live as one family.
“May our diversity continue to be our strength, and may our unity forever be our pride.”

Also Speaking, the Head teacher of the school, Ms Nneka Eze, emphasized the imperatives of using culture to inculcate discipline in the children.
Eze affirmed the capability of culture in not just driving unity but respect for elders and others.
“Just as those children are learning or rather showcasing their cultural heritage.

“Discipline, respect is part of culture, when you go out there, in the Western world, discipline is lost.
“But in Nigerian culture, once, we can hold our culture high, discipline becomes the order of the day.

Eze said that culture has the capacity to transform children or anyone into good ambassors of discipline and respect.

“We are bringing back culture into New Capital School Asokoro to make sure that we can hold our culture, be able to be disciplined children.
“When they leave Nigeria, people will say, where are they coming from, Nigeria? So Nigeria is this disciplined , respectful.”

Also Speaking, a pupil of the school, Jadidah Ishaku-Yusuf said that the togetherness of different cultures has brought immense joy to her.
“Today is cultural day and I feel happy to dance and be part of the dance.”

Another student of the school, Ndubuisi Umeh described the cultural day as unifying occasion .
“It is very diverse and shows different cultures that came together to form Nigeria.

“We should embrace our culture and we should not hide them from anyone.”

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Musawa Seeks Broader Significance for June 12

Published

8 hours ago

October 3, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., says June 12 must be remembered as a sacrifice that gave Nigerians democracy, beyond its status as a public holiday.

In a statement signed on Saturday by the Senior Assistant Media & Publicity to the Honourable Minister,Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze Ph.D in Abuja.

Musawa stated this at the national premiere of “MKO”, a film on Chief Moshood Abiola, held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

She said 33 years after June 12, 1993, many young Nigerians know it only as a holiday, but the film turns it back into memory.

“For too many young Nigerians, June 12 is simply a public holiday. This film tells them that our democracy did not arrive by chance. It was fought for. It was defended. It was paid for. This documentary is in honour of the heroes of June 12, the men and women who gave their lives for the mandate of June 12, 1993 and for the democracy Nigeria enjoys today,” the Minister said.

Musawa hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Host, for his participation in the June 12 struggle and paying the price in exile, adding that Nigeria’s creative industry will keep telling the story of its democracy with courage.

“Through film and the creative economy, Nigeria will preserve its history. A nation that forgets its past loses its way to the future. Nigeria has a story and our story deserves to be told,” she said.

Earlier, the director of the investigative documentary, Ose Oyamendan, said the film was in honour and memory of heroes who fought for Nigeria’s democracy.

“There was Hope ’93 and now there is Renewed Hope. There was a man who sacrificed his life so we may have democracy and there is a man who almost lost his life fighting for democracy who is now helping build a lasting democracy.

“There was a great man called Bashorun MKO Abiola and there is now another great man called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Democrats. Nationalists. Nation builders. Leaders of men and women. We must never forget our story. We must always honour and remember our heroes,” Oyamendan said.

Top government officials including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the wife of the President Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chief of Staff to the President Rt. Femi Gbajabiamila, state Governors, members of the National Assembly, Ministers and other distinguished dignitaries attended the premiere.

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