Ms May Ikokwu, Chief Executive Officer, Save Our Heritage Initiative (SOHI), on Monday says respect for the sanctity of life and citizens is key to preserving the country’s heritage and people.
Ikokwu, who is also Secretary General, Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older People in Nigeria (COSROPIN), told the News Agency of Nigeria , in Abuja that wanton destruction of lives and property was an affront on cultural values.
She noted with dismay, the recent communal conflicts in some states such as Kaduna, Benue, Ebonyi, Taraba, Cross River and Taraba; and called on all actors to close ranks for peace.
Ikokwu, who condemned communal hostilities, attributed the causes of Ethno-religious conflicts to cultural and ethnic or religious communities and identities.
She said such dastardly acts were not only inhuman, but capable of putting the culture, which to some extent was national identity and the people representing it, to extinction.
The SOHI Chief Executive who implored for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians especially rural communities, said cultural tolerance was imperative in sustaining national cohesion.
“People of different cultures should always tolerate one another irrespective of the cultural differences.
“Cultural tolerance is very crucial in preserving culture itself and the people that practise it, as well as promoting national security,” Ikokwu appealed.
She called for a synergy among various cultural groups in the country to promote and protect their cultural heritages for greater future.
According to her, if people that represent particular beliefs and culture are exterminated, certainly their culture will go into extinction, so respecting the sanctity of lives is preserving culture.
The culture advocate also canvassed for protection and respect of older people who she described as custodians of the culture.
“Older people have the responsibility to bequeath cultural legacies to the young generations, therefore this can only be achieved if they are respected and preserved,” she added.
According to her, rural communities should explore avenues of peace by harping on the values that strengthen and unite them, over the ones that divide them.
Ikokwu who reiterated the need to safeguard the remnants of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, called for collective efforts of all stakeholders and governments at all levels.
Edited By: Benson Iziama/Nyisom Fiyigon Dore
Source: NAN
