The African Union Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSCOCC) has inaugurated five eminent Nigerians, including a traditional ruler, as Cultural Ambassadors.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the five AU-ECOSOCC Nigerian Cultural Ambassadors were inaugurated on Saturday at the unveiling of the project “My Culture and I” in Abuja.
During the ceremony, AU-ECOSCOCC Country Representative John Oba-Olasunkanmi stated that cultural diplomats and traditional leaders were important players in the spread of cultural development in Africa.
According to Oba-Olasunkanmi, the AU-ECOSCOCC Nigerian Cultural Ambassadors “are custodians of our Culture who will propagate and influence a cultural ‘Rebirth’ not only in Nigeria but throughout the African continent.”
“Promoting and preserving our African cultural attributes, values, and ethics is critical for Africans’ emergence on the global stage, re-awakening a sense of common destiny and pan-African consciousness.”
“From the days of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to the birth of the African Union (AU), culture has been placed at the top of their agenda, as stipulated in the OAU charter, affirming the commitment of the African Union member states to ensure coordination and harmonization of its policies,” he said.
He urged African governments to prioritize culture and tourism, make local dialects mandatory in schools, and implement policies to promote and save local languages from extinction.
According to NAN, the new cultural ambassadors are Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, Alara of Ilara in Epe Division of Lagos State, Yeye Lara Fashola, High Priestess of Olokun, High Chief Oizimede Ifidon-Ojeonu, Princess Adesuwa Obaseki-Odiawa, and Dr George Sekibo.
Highlights of the event included cultural dance displays, red carpet moments, proclamations, and the presentation of plagues/certificates and special vehicle number plates to the ambassadors.
NAN reports that the AU-mandate ECOSOCC’s is to promote dialogue among all segments of African people on issues pertaining to the continent and its future.