Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Cultural heritage or culture has been described as a potent and critical tool for national growth and development, as well as the soul and foundation of people’s identity, that should be accorded high priority by all and sundry, particularly the government.

The admonition was given by His Royal Majesty, Oba James Oladipo Arokoola Buremoh, Ajagungbade 1, the Onidera of Idera land in the Ifelodun local government area of Kwara State, while speaking as the Guest Speaker at the historic maiden Cultural Day Celebration of the Thomas Adewumi University (TAU), Oko.

He said: “Today, we gather not merely to celebrate culture as a form of entertainment, but to recognise it as the foundation of our identity, the soul of our people, and a powerful instrument for national growth and development.

“Culture is far more than our attire, music, dance, cuisine, or language. It is our way of life. It is the collective wisdom passed down from one generation to another. Culture embodies our values, traditions, beliefs, morals, and the principles that guide our interactions within society.”

The Monarch, popularly known as “LADI The African Tiger” in his international wrestling days, noted that Nigeria is blessed with extraordinary cultural diversity, from the Yoruba of the South-West, the Hausa-Fulani of the North, the Igbo of the South-East, and several other ethnic nationalities, adding that the diversity remains one of the nation’s greatest strengths.

Rather than viewing such differences as barriers, Oba Buremoh admonished the people to embrace them as assets, capable of promoting unity, mutual understanding, and national progress.

He, however, lamented that, while globalization and technological advancement have brought both opportunities and challenges, making the world to become increasingly interconnected, many young people are gradually becoming disconnected from their cultural roots as foreign influences now shape many aspects of their lifestyles, including language, fashion, and even the value systems of the people.

He added: “This is why events such as this Cultural Day Celebration are highly commendable. They remind us that modernity should not come at the expense of our identity. We can embrace innovation, technology, and global citizenship while remaining proud custodians of our cultural heritage.

“Universities have a critical role to play in this regard. Institutions of higher learning are not only centers of academic excellence but also centers of cultural preservation and intellectual advancement. They should continue to encourage research into indigenous knowledge systems, African history, traditional governance structures, local languages, arts, and cultural practices.

He said: “Our ancestors developed sophisticated systems of governance, conflict resolution, agriculture, medicine, architecture, commerce, and environmental management long before the emergence of modern institutions. There is immense value in studying, preserving, and adapting these indigenous systems to contemporary realities.”

The Monarch, therefore, encouraged students in higher institutions across the country to become proud ambassadors of their cultural heritage, adding: “Learn your language. Understand your history. Respect your traditions. Celebrate your roots. The future belongs to those who know where they come from and understand where they are going.

“Cultural identity builds confidence. It provides a sense of belonging, nurtures self-esteem, and empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to society. A people who forget their culture risk losing their identity, and a nation without identity struggles to define its future.

“Beyond identity, culture contributes significantly to economic development. Across the world, nations generate substantial revenue through cultural tourism, creative industries, festivals, traditional arts, crafts, fashion, music, and historical sites. Nigeria possesses enormous untapped potential in these sectors.

“If properly harnessed, our cultural resources can create employment opportunities, attract investment, promote tourism, and strengthen our economy. The creative industry has already demonstrated how Nigerian culture can achieve global recognition through music, film, fashion, literature, and entertainment.

“As traditional institutions, we also have a responsibility to preserve our heritage while promoting peace, unity, education, and community development. Traditional rulers remain important custodians of cultural values and social cohesion. We must continue to work hand in hand with educational institutions and government agencies to build a society where tradition and modernity complement one another.

“Today, I challenge every student here to become a bridge between the wisdom of the past and the opportunities of the future. Let us embrace education without abandoning our identity. Let us pursue modernization without discarding our values. Let us celebrate our diversity while strengthening our unity as one nation,” the Monarch added.

Oba Buremoh reminded all and sundry that culture is not merely an inheritance from the forefathers, but a sacred trust placed in people’s hands for preservation and transmission to future generations, adding that: “Every generation is judged not only by what it acquires but also by what it preserves. The cultural heritage we neglect today may be lost forever tomorrow.

“As young scholars and future leaders, you have a unique responsibility to become ambassadors of our cultural values. In a world increasingly driven by technology and globalization, remain firmly rooted in the virtues that have sustained our communities for centuries: respect for elders, integrity, communal living, hospitality, discipline, and compassion. These values are not outdated; they remain timeless foundations for responsible leadership and sustainable development.”

The greatness of a nation, the Monarch opined, is not determined solely by the size of its economy or the sophistication of its technology, saying great nations are those that confidently embrace modernity while proudly preserving their identity.

To His Royal Majesty, progress without identity leads to confusion, while identity without progress leads to stagnation, adding that “Our collective challenge is to achieve both”.

He admonished: “Therefore, let us rise above ethnic, religious, and regional differences and recognize that our cultural diversity is one of Nigeria’s greatest assets. Let us build bridges of understanding, promote tolerance, celebrate our differences, and work collectively toward a peaceful, united, and prosperous nation.

“As the Onidera of Idera Land, I firmly believe that Nigeria’s future will be brighter when educational institutions, traditional institutions, government agencies, and communities work together to nurture a generation that is intellectually sound, morally upright, culturally conscious, and globally competitive.

“May this maiden Cultural Day Celebration serve as a catalyst for a renewed appreciation of our heritage, a platform for meaningful cultural exchange, and a reminder that the strength of any nation lies not only in its resources but also in the character, values, and identity of its people.”