General News
Minister harps on culture usage for social development
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Thursday called on Nigerians to use culture as dialogue to improve human relationship and social development.
Mohammed, who was represented by Mrs Ifeoma Anyanwutaku, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, made the call at the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development in Abuja.
The 2021 edition with the theme: ‘Cultural Diversity in the COVID-19 Era’, was aimed at reawakening cultural consciousness.
According to him, the culture day gives us an opportunity to celebrate our cultures and also deepen our understanding of the role of cultural values in promoting social cohesiveness and development.
“Every society is shaped by its distinct culture, be it language, cuisine, religion, fashion, architecture or music.
“The country’s rich and unique cultural heritage is an invaluable asset that has continued to serve as a springboard to portray our nation’s image to the rest of the world.
“In spite of our cultural diversity, we have continually forged a path to a stronger, unified and indivisible nation.
“While the world races to find a lasting solution to the COVID-19 pandemic, with various countries collaborating and working tirelessly to save humanity from this common enemy, the vital lesson of our common humanity must translate into our national lives.”
The minister noted that the pandemic has limited physical activities, by given us the unprecedented opportunity to live differently and take advantage of various technological channels and platforms to foster cultural diversity.
“We must therefore leverage on available virtual platforms and digital technologies to break barriers and natural borders in showcasing and promoting our tangible and intangible rich cultural products, as well as conduct our day-to-day activities to meet our social responsibility,” he added.
Mohammed commended the outstanding performance of two Nigerian artists, Dani Ogulu a.k.a Burna Boy and Ayodeji Balogun a.k.a Wizkid, for winning the prestigious Grammy Awards.
“It is worth mentioning that our artistes have continued to showcase Nigeria’s rich culture on the world entertainment stage.
“Not too long ago, two of our artistes, popularly known as Burna Boy and Wizkid, won the prestigious Grammy Awards.
“This great feat underscored the importance of the Nigerian culture in inspiring a broad range of artistic expression,” he commended.
Mohammed called on all stakeholders and well meaning Nigerians to complement government’s effort in building a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Nigeria for the benefit of all.
Earlier, Anyanwutaku said the vision of United Nations Educational, Scientific Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has helped Nigerians to understand the role of culture.
She added that with this role the right conditions could be created for dialogue to enhance understanding and improve human relationships across various strata of the society.
Anyanwutaku, represented by Mrs Rose Kwarsen, Deputy Director, Department of Cultural Heritage and Industry, said the process would promote national development.
“Today’s celebration is a pointer to the important role of culture, in not only shaping but also opening vistas of opportunities for people of different cultural background to interact and establish mutual understanding.
“Against this backdrop, I wish to emphasis that mutual understanding can be established only through dialogue.
“For any society to thrive politically and socioeconomically there is the need to leverage on the salient role of culture in promoting social integration,” she said.
Anyanwutaku said that Nigeria’s unique cultural diversity has played a critical role in fostering interaction between people of different cultural backgrounds.
The Permanent Secretary added that such cultural background has contributed immensely in building bridges across various ethnic groups in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by dignitaries from the Chinese Cultural Embassy, National Film and Video Censor Board, National Gallery of Art and Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation.
Others are: India High Commissioner, representatives from National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, National Institute for Cultural Orientation, Anglican Girls Grammar School Apo, and Junior Secondary school Tudun Wada among others.(NAN)
…Church leaders accuse Welsh counterparts of “spiritual decadence” and “abandonment of faith”
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued a forceful condemnation of the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the Archbishop of Wales. The move is the latest in a series of developments that have deepened divisions within the global Anglican Communion over sexuality and doctrine.
In a statement from Primate The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the church denounced the election as a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and a sign of “spiritual decadence” and “an outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.”
Archbishop Ndukuba warned that Bishop Vann’s elevation compromises the Anglican Church’s global mission and could obstruct evangelism. He compared the situation to the controversial tenure of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, former Presiding Bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church, who also faced intense criticism from conservative Anglicans for her progressive views.
The Primate accused Bishop Vann of being complicit in the “ongoing crisis” around same-sex issues, stating that the election is a “clear revelation that many who claim to be members of the body of Christ cannot endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3–4).
The Church of Nigeria called on Anglicans worldwide to reject “rebels” and “apostates” and to instead support conservative bodies like the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).
“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) condemns, unequivocally rejects, and will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales,” Ndukuba declared. He concluded with a solemn warning that without repentance, the Church in Wales risks losing “complete relevance” and its leaders will face judgment.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has called on political leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens.
During a recent church service in Abuja, Ndukuba noted that many Nigerians are struggling with challenges brought on by the global economic downturn. He urged state and local governments to implement new initiatives to lessen the impact on their communities.
The Primate also stressed that the federal government must effectively monitor its programs to ensure that Nigerians fully benefit from the nation’s democratic gains. He argued that if the current administration can effectively tackle corruption, the country would significantly benefit from the economic policies of President Tinubu’s government.
Ndukuba concluded by asking the congregation to continue praying for those in authority, remain committed to national unity, and show love and support for the less privileged. He also tasked the newly inducted members of the Church Mothers’ Guild with aggressively spreading the gospel.
Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, has expressed deep concern about the current situation in Nigeria.
Enenche stated that the nation is under an evil spell due to the economic hardship affecting the country. He described Nigeria as being covered by a “blanket of sorcery and darkness,” leading many citizens to endure poverty and hardship in silence.
“There’s a blanket of sorcery and darkness over this nation—an evil spell making people tolerate what should provoke outrage,” he wrote.
In a post on his official X account on Thursday, the cleric highlighted the economic struggles faced by many Nigerians, noting that an increasing number of church members now line up after services not for spiritual counselling or prayer, but to help with basic needs such as rent, school fees, food, and medical bills.
“People are suffering. Pastors are exhausted. Members now queue after service not for prayer, but for assistance,” he lamented.
He also criticised political leaders for their insensitivity and failure to address the dire situation across the country.
“Yet, the leaders act as though nothing is wrong. This is not normal—it is witchcraft. It is a spell of patience in captivity, leading to a demonic tolerance of suffering.”
Calling for divine intervention, Enenche declared, “Let every evil spell over this land be broken! Let those misruling with arrogance and mocking the people’s pain face divine judgment. They shall not see the celebration of their wickedness.”
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