Our cultural diversity must melt out religious and ethnic conflicts – Edem Duke

(Report from Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation) A passionate appeal has been made to all Nigerians not to see our cultural diversity as basis for religious and ethnic conflicts but our diversity must reflect the UNESCO’s principle as a tool for dialogue, cooperation and promotion of mutual understanding and global peace.

 The Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Edem Duke made this appeal at the 2014 World Culture Day celebration in Nigeria in his speech delivered by the Director of Planning and Research Department, Alhaji Shehu Garba.

Appealing on how our cultural diversity can be positively cultivated, Edem Duke said, “Our cultural diversity must be used as a tool for cooperation and understanding considering our sad peculiar security situation.  Dialogue is the panacea for global peace.  I therefore, appeal to all segments of our society to forgive one another and create a peaceful environment for all our citizenry. Please, let us give peace a chance and our cultural diversity must melt out any religious and ethnic conflicts.”

While explaining  the global relevance of the World Cultural Day celebration, Duke said, that United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)  has set aside the day to celebrate the universal cultural attributes of man and how he has used those attributes to set the agenda for the global development of the human race.
The Tourism and Culture Minister further revealed that the fundamental essence of the Day was rooted in the three pillars of cultural diversity, dialogue and development.  These pillars he explained are foundation for global peace, cooperation and understanding, adding that they have provided essential ingredients for political and social stability in the world.

Edem Duke enjoined State Governments to also celebrate World Culture Day and use the occasion to highlight contributions of culture to national development especially in gross domestic product.

In her contribution, the Director General of UNESCO, Ms Irina Bokova at the World Culture Day represented by Professor Hansana Ado, explained that cultural diversity was a common heritage of humanity and nations must inculcate into our young people the spirit of living together and accept our diverse religions, languages and cultures.