By Joan Odafe

Nigeria’s foremost female talking drummer, Aralola Olumuyiwa, has urged Nigerians, particularly the media and cultural stakeholders, to amplify Nigeria’s heritage for future generations.

Ara made the call at the Cultural Day event of the 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, News Agency of Nigeria (NUJ-NAN), Lagos Chapel on Tuesday in Lagos.

According to the drummer, culture is Nigeria’s identity, one of the nation’s greatest tools of diplomacy, and future economy.

She emphasised that when Nigerians begin to celebrate, and take traditions seriously, the world will reciprocate it.

“As Nigerians, we must understand that culture is not old-fashioned, it is our identity, our pride and our future.

“From our languages to our music, fashion, values and cuisine, these aspects of who we are must be preserved, celebrated and promoted,” she said.

Ara highlighted aspects of culture that must be preserved, including storytelling, language, food, crafts, traditional music and respect for elders.

Recalling her journey in life, education and career, she reflected on the gravity of names and heritage in shaping an individual’s life.

“Ara means wonder, mystery. The full meaning is Aralola, ” she said.

She advised that Nigerians be intentional when picking children’s names.

She further emphasised the role of the media in amplifying Nigeria’s heritage so future generations would not only inherit the culture but also wear it proudly as their strength.

“The media, you can make or break. The power is in your hands,” she said.

Also, the Head of Editorial Department, NAN, Lagos office, Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, said culture was the foundation of identity.

Omowole decried the neglect of Nigerian indigenous languages, adding that some people, particularly the younger generation, took pride in not speaking it.

“Culture is who you are. Culture is your personal identity.

“Your destiny could be in that language you have neglected,” she said.

She urged youths to take advantage of digital platforms such as the internet and YouTube, where they could find teachers online to help reclaim their linguistic heritage.

Mr Kevin Okunzuwa, a Deputy Editor-in-Chief in NAN, described it as an aberration for individuals not to speak their dialect.

Okunzuwa noted that the loss of cultural values had caused the society to derail in a lot of aspects.

“Whether you are in or outside of your community, you should be able to speak your dialect.

“Culture is our way of life. Tradition is the way we are taught to live,” he said.

The Chairman of NAN NUJ, Mr Yunus Yusuf, also underscored the role of the media in promoting culture.

He described the NAN NUJ Cultural Day as an important platform to showcase and preserve Nigeria’s heritage.

He commended the guest artiste, Aralola, for her outstanding performance and for being a worthy ambassador of the nation’s rich cultural identity. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran