NAN Press Week promotes cultural diversity, heritage

By Glory Akpan

The Nigerian Union of Journalists, News Agency of Nigeria Chapel (NUJ–NAN) has celebrated its 26th Press Week with a Cultural Day to promote Nigeria’s cultural diversity, heritage and national unity.

The event, which featured cultural displays, including traditional attire, music, dancing and Nigerian dishes from various parts of the country held, on Tuesday in Lagos.

The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Vivian Ihechu, said the Cultural Day was designed to promote national unity while encouraging Nigerians to preserve and pass their cultural heritage to younger generations.

Noting that people from different tribes, religions and cultural backgrounds could come together as one nation, Ihechu said Nigeria’s diversity remained one of its greatest assets.

“The essence of all of this is to promote our oneness, our unity.

“We are from different tribes, different religions and different cultures but we have come together as a nation to stand as one,” she said.

Ihechu  expressed concern that some young Nigerians were losing touch with their indigenous languages, ancestral roots and traditions because of the increasing use of English.

According to her, the event provides an opportunity to promote indigenous languages, music, traditions, dressing and cuisines.

She urged Nigerians to preserve their cultural heritage and proudly showcase their identities wherever they found themselves.

Also speaking, Yusuf Yunus, Chiarman of NUJ-NAN Lagos, commended media practitioners for using cultural expression to foster national cohesion, noting that diversity remains Nigeria’s greatest strength.

He stated that the annual event served as a vital reminder that journalists, beyond their primary responsibility of reporting facts and shaping public policy, remained key custodians of the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

Yunus urged media professionals to continuously leverage their platforms to promote cultural integration, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence across all ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Addressing the students in attendance, Yunus advised them to cherish their cultural roots, embrace moral discipline, and pursue educational excellence as future leaders of the nation.

He paid glowing tribute to legendary Fuji musician, Dr Adewale Ayuba, describing his Bonsue Fuji sound as a timeless masterpiece that elevated Nigerian culture globally.

Yunus praised Ayuba’s decades of creative excellence, highlighting how his soulful melodies continue to inspire unity, joy, and cultural pride across diverse generations.

NAN reports that the Press Week activities began with a medical outreach and walk, which included staff and students from the Yaba College of Technology, while the Cultural Day provided an avenue for staff to represent different Nigerian tribes and showcase their cultural heritage.

While breaking the kolanut, Ayuba highlighted its cultural significance, particularly in Yoruba traditions.

He said the two items, ‘obi’/`oji’ and ‘orógbó’/`aku ilu’, were commonly used during ceremonies and celebrations, including naming ceremonies, weddings, housewarmings and birthdays.

Winner of the cultural attire competition, Millicent Ifeanyichukwu, from the Editorial Department, expressed surprise and excitement to emerge first.

“I feel good. I feel great. I just came out to catch fun. I didn’t know I was going to win,” she said.

Ifeanyichukwu, who represented the Igbo culture, said she participated mainly to have fun and did not expect to win.

Ifeanyichukwu’s outfit comprised a  headgear (ichafu), red blouse, beads and other accessories.

She said the Igbo people were rich in culture, particularly their traditional foods, including oha soup, onugbu and ofe nsala, which were also showcased at the event among other dishes from different ethnic groups in the country.

She thanked the NUJ–NAN Chapel for providing an opportunity for staff to exhibit their cultural heritage and talents. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

ALEX/JOJO/VIV

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu