NANS Calls for Preservation of African Culture

Students in tertiary institutions across the country, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), have called for concerted efforts to preserve African culture in the face of western influence.

The students also stressed the need for collaboration to prevent extinction of African culture.

This was contained in a statement by the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NANS, Mr Samuel Olalere.

Olalere had led some members of the association on a courtesy visit to the Chief Executive Officer of Culturati Academy, Mr. Idris Aregbe.

Culturati Academy focuses on promoting, advancing and projecting Africa’s rich cultural diversity, in its quest for development.

According to Olalere,“the many challenges facing the continent, especially Nigeria, needs homegrown solutions, as the western techniques deployed are not as effective as the traditional tools.

“Culture is a powerful driver for development with community-wide social, economic and environmental impacts.
“Our lifestyle as Africans is unique, and we must work assiduously to guard it.

“Our values related to environmental stewardship, and our interactions with the natural environment are mostly influenced by our culture; therefore, we must strive to know and promote who we are as Africans,” he added.

Responding, Aregbe suggested measures that could be deployed to improve entrepreneurial skills of students.

He said such skills should be converted into financial gains to enhance self-reliance and relevance.

Aregbe also highlighted the visions of the Culturati Academy and opportunities for African youths in it.

Also speaking, the President, Students’ Union, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin, Lagos, Mr. Nurudeen Oladejo, expressed satisfaction with the opportunities.

He said African culture promotes hard work, fairness and accountability, and recommended its integration into schools’ curricula.