Prof. Tunde Babawale, has hinged Nigeria's socio-economic, political and scientific development on cultural rebirth.
Babawale, who is the Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), Lagos, spoke on Friday at a lecture held at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Badagry.
CBAAC was established by Decree 69 of 1979, following the successful hosting of the 2nd World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC '77).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture was part of activities commemorating the 35th coronation anniversary of the Akran of Badagry, Aholu Menu Toyi I.
The lecture was entitled: “Cultural rebirth as an instrument for socio -economic and political development of African societies in the 21st Century’’.
Babawale said: “Cultural rebirth implies a rejuvenation of practices that can positively impact on our people.
“Culture supports and encourages creativity and industry. It also supports the development and utilisation of God-given talents on the development of our societies.
He, however, said cultural rebirth did not mean a return to the past in its entirety, but rather an appreciation of the resources of the past and its contribution to the present.
“This will serve as the roadmap for the development of our country and the continent,” Babawale stressed.
He said Nigeria and Africa should borrow a leaf from countries like Japan, Australia and China, which developed their technologies using local languages.
He urged youths to imbibe their culture, virtues and social norms and practices, towards transforming the country and saving it from further deterioration.
“Our youths should embrace our culture and shun immorality and vices … this should reflect in their dressing … girls should stop wearing skimpy dresses and the boys to stop sagging of their trousers.
“We must save our environment from crimes such as armed robbery, murder, stealing, kidnapping, gun-running, rape and all of sorts’’.
The lecture was attended by the Akran, the Director General of ASCON, Mr Ajibade Peters and the Director General of Nigeria French Language Village, Badagry, Prof. Samuel Aje.
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