The African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSCOCC) has inaugurated five eminent personalities, including a traditional ruler, as its Nigerian Cultural Ambassadors.
The five AU-ECOSOCC Nigerian Cultural Ambassadors were inaugurated at the unveiling of the project “My Culture and I” in Abuja on Saturday.
Speaking during the ceremony, AU-ECOSCOCC Country Representative, John Oba-Olasunkanmi, said that cultural diplomats and traditional leaders were key players in the propagation of cultural development in Africa.
Oba-Olasunkanmi said that the AU-ECOSCOCC Nigerian Cultural Ambassadors “are custodians of our Culture that will propagate and influence a cultural ‘Rebirth’ not just in Nigeria but in the entire African continent.”
“Promoting and preserving our African cultural attributes, values and ethics is a critical factor for Africans emergence on the global stage, re-awakening a sense of a common destiny and pan-African consciousness.
“From the days of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) up 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 commitment of the African Union member states to ensure coordination and harmonization of its policies,” he said.
He appealed to African governments to prioritise culture and tourism, make local dialects compulsory in schools and implement policies to further promote local languages and save them from going into extinction.
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.
High points of the event were cultural dance displays, red carpet moments, pronouncements and presentation of plagues/certificates and special vehicle number plates to the ambassadors.
The mandate of the AU-ECOSOCC is to promote dialogue between all segments of African people on issues concerning the Continent and its future.
