Yusuf Musa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Nasarawa, has urged families to inculcate cultural values and traditions in the formative years of their children and wards. According to him, this will enable them prepare for a positive and productive life.
Musa said this at the maiden cultural festival organized by youths of the 500-unit Housing Estate on Thursday in Lafia.
According to the permanent secretary, inculcating cultural values and traditions has become necessary given the spate of youths’ involvement in crimes and other negative vices in society.
He attributed the involvement of youths in social vices to the erosion of some cultures, traditional values, and norms, which were hitherto the guiding principles of the society.
Musa advised families to strive to retain those values that unite and shape the child towards positivity and productive lives.
He said that the administration of Gov. Abdullahi Sule attached great importance to the revival and promotion of the rich cultural heritage, values, and tourism potential in the state.
According to him, the policy direction of the state as encapsulated in the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS) document is geared towards speedy but organized development of the state, and its people, especially the youths.
Musa expressed concern over the failure of stakeholders to nurture and protect the sacred values that positively shape society.
He urged the organizers to make the initiative a yearly event and solicited tribal and cultural associations to embrace and support the festival.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the event included exhibition of cultural foods, attires, cultural dances, and drama series as well as goodwill messages from well-wishers.