Ethno-Religious Crisis: Centre Calls for Cultural Rebirth In Nigeria

This was made known during this year’s celebration of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination with the theme: “Ethno Religious Crisis in Nigeria; Impediment to National Peace and Development.”

In a roundtable discussion organized by the UNESCO Centre, Abuja in collaboration with Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG) and attended by youth leaders, faith based organizations and the media, the Centre identified the rebirth of cherished values as a major roadmap to peace advocacy and development.

Discussants expressed worry over what they identified as a breakdown of traditional African value system which has lea to insecurity such as insurgency in the north east, cattle rustling in the north west, herdsmen clashes with farmers in central Nigeria, militancy in the south south, kidnapping and ritual killing in the south east and assassinations in the south west.

Participants called on religious and youth  leaders and the military to advocate for cultural rebirth that promotes brotherliness against contentious living, patriotism against narrow nationalism, respect for peoples culture and belief system as against fanaticism, and obedience to constituted authorities and the constitution.

In his welcome address, the coordinator of the centre and president of the group, Comrade Dominic Ogakwu, noted that though Nigeria is not a country that practices racial discrimination but the celebration which is globally recognized by United Nations Resolution [A/RES/2142(XX1)] is an opportunity to expound on the message of peace which has become a scarce commodity in the land.

He expressed confidence in the theme for this year’s celebration which is aimed that redefining the post-election narrative which has become a threat to the country’s collective existence as a nation.

He commended the effort of the Nigerian Military for their tireless effort in dealing with internal security while at the same time carrying the people along and also called on traditional institutions to be fully committed to the process of peace building and advocacy.