Two lecturers at the University of Ilorin, Dr Ebenezer Lawal and Malam Abdulganiyu Olatunji, on Wednesday described the nation’s cultural artifacts as tools for economic development.
Lawal, who is of the Department of Political Science and Olatunji of the Department of Sociology, stated this in a joint paper presented at the 2014 World Culture Day celebration in Ilorin.
The forum was organised by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).
The dons, in their lecture entitled, "Considering Cultural Entrepreneurship for Economic Development,’’ called on government to harness the nation’s cultural artifacts to boost economic development.
The duo said entrepreneurial ventures could be carved out of several artifacts and practices in the country to drive sustainable economic development in the country.
They said every society has peculiar cultural features that could be developed to generate income for the people and the society at large.
According to them, Nigeria's rich cultural potentials can be tapped to generate employment opportunities for the people, reduce poverty and strengthen political and democratic norms.
They cited some of the nation’s cultural artifacts and practices that could be developed to meet international standards and generate revenue.
These include traditional medicine, cultural festivals and practices, monument sites, fashion and accessories, music, household materials as well buildings and architecture.
The duo decried the preference Nigerians have for foreign fashion, values and attitudes to the detriment of indigenous ones.
Also speaking, Sen. Suleiman Ajadi, the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters and Chairman at the occasion, urged parents to inculcate in their children indigenous cultural values.
Ajadi, who was represented by Alhaji AbdulRahman Oyinloye, said youths were the future leaders of the country and must embrace its rich cultural heritage.
"Not only will Nigeria experience technical change where growth is driven by innovative activities of youth entrepreneurs, the untoward activities of the youths will also be checked,'' Ajadi said.
Lawal, who is of the Department of Political Science and Olatunji of the Department of Sociology, stated this in a joint paper presented at the 2014 World Culture Day celebration in Ilorin.
The forum was organised by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).
The dons, in their lecture entitled, "Considering Cultural Entrepreneurship for Economic Development,’’ called on government to harness the nation’s cultural artifacts to boost economic development.
The duo said entrepreneurial ventures could be carved out of several artifacts and practices in the country to drive sustainable economic development in the country.
They said every society has peculiar cultural features that could be developed to generate income for the people and the society at large.
According to them, Nigeria's rich cultural potentials can be tapped to generate employment opportunities for the people, reduce poverty and strengthen political and democratic norms.
They cited some of the nation’s cultural artifacts and practices that could be developed to meet international standards and generate revenue.
These include traditional medicine, cultural festivals and practices, monument sites, fashion and accessories, music, household materials as well buildings and architecture.
The duo decried the preference Nigerians have for foreign fashion, values and attitudes to the detriment of indigenous ones.
Also speaking, Sen. Suleiman Ajadi, the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters and Chairman at the occasion, urged parents to inculcate in their children indigenous cultural values.
Ajadi, who was represented by Alhaji AbdulRahman Oyinloye, said youths were the future leaders of the country and must embrace its rich cultural heritage.
"Not only will Nigeria experience technical change where growth is driven by innovative activities of youth entrepreneurs, the untoward activities of the youths will also be checked,'' Ajadi said.
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