By Justina Auta
Some stakeholders have stressed the need to embrace cultural diversity to promote unity, peace, and development in society.
They made the call On Saturday a World Cross-Cultural Day celebration organized by Safe Heritage Crest Academy in Abuja.
Mrs. Feyikemi Arolasafe, Proprietress of the academy, said diverse cultures, values, and ways of life, showed the rich cultural history and heritage of a people, hence should not be allowed to go extinct.
Arolasafe said the event was aimed at showcasing the school as a cross-cultural and cultural inclusiveness academy.
This, she said would prepare the students to adapt to various cultures, wherever they find themselves in the future.
“As such, we need not perceive a country’s culture as an aspect of another country rather; it should be allowed to stand on its own.
“Every country is unique and we should embrace each other cultural diversities for unity, progress, and prosperity of one another.
“We are training world-conscious students and pupils who will find themselves tomorrow in various parts of the world as undergraduates, graduates, and professionals.
“They will perfectly fit into the societies as responsible ambassadors,’’ she said.
Arolasafe said the event brings hopes, hope for harmony, and peace between all races, tribes, and religions in Nigeria, particularly at a time when the country was challenged.
“We hope to see the young generations inspired by the values of culture.
“This event will continue to promote sustainable peace, togetherness, co-existence, and development that promote prosperity for this country and the world at large,’’ she said.
Also, Mr. Gbenga Arolasafe, the school’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “The world is rich in cultural diversity and we want to make our children aware of this at an early age.
“We want them to appreciate various diversities in culture, languages, fashion, food, and academic system.
“This will help them in their education because once they are aware of all these, they will not get overwhelmed when they travel to other countries because they are already familiar with their lifestyle.
He called on the government and other stakeholders to implement policies that would improve the quality of education standards in Nigeria.
One of the students, Miss Precious Enoma, said the cultural celebration would enable students, from an early age to know the different cultures especially their languages, fashion, music, arts and literature.
Other highlights of the day were, various food presentations, music, dance, drama, and other activities showcasing various cultures in Nigeria, Jamaica, South Africa, India, France, and China by the students.
