NICO holds children cultural extravaganza in Abuja

Parents have a huge role to play in the cultural orientation of their children. This is according to the Executive Secretary of the National Institute of Cultural Orientation, NICO, Associate Professor Barclays Ayakoroma.

He made the statement during the Children Cultural Extravaganza, which NICO organized to help commemorate children’s day and to make the young ones take pride in their cultures and identities.

“Parents have a very important role in making them [children] take pride in their indigenous languages and you know learning their indigenous languages comes with it knowledge of indigenous culture and if parents make this imperative on their children, they become more attuned to their cultures,” he said.

The extravaganza featured cultural dance performances from students of various secondary schools in the capital and also had debates about the importance of indigenous languages, with some of the speakers, students, calling for the adoption of pidgin as an official local language.

Mr. Ayakoroma emphasized that the format of the extravaganza was made none-competitive so that the children can simply enjoy participating in cultural events without the pressure of competition.

“If we can change the cultural orientation of the children, we will have a better future because these children are the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.

Also commenting on the event, the keynote speaker, Dr Sam Dede of the University of Port Harcourt, who is also a celebrated Nollywood actor, emphasized the role of parents in entrenching a strong cultural identity in their children.

“We all come from a history to be proud of and the knowledge of history will impact and inspire the now generation,” he said.

Commending cultural dresses as colourful and vibrant with expressions of meanings, Mr Dede said Nigerians should take pride in their heritage and learn to speak their indigenous languages as a way of clearly defining their identity.

“You cannot develop without a culture because culture is the basis for development. You cannot develop yourself with the culture of someone else,” he said.

Dozens of school children participated in the extravaganza, showcasing their traditional dance skills and competence to the applause of an excited audience.