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CULTURAL DIVERSIFICATION: A VERITABLE TOOL FOR NATIONAL INTEGRATION

A SPEECH PRESENTED BY OLUPINLA BENITA (SS2) STUDENT AT THE 2023 CULTURAL DAY CELEBRATION OF YABA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY SECONDARY SCHOOL

Good day the Chairman, the Board of Governors, and other Board members present, the Acting Principal Dr. Mrs. Taiwo Omomia, a hardworking and an elegant disciplinarian, the Vice Principal Mr. Oluyemi, respected teachers, parents, and fellow students.

My name is Benita Olupinla, an SS2 Alpha student of this prestigious school, and it is an honour to stand before you today to speak on the topic "Cultural Diversification: A Veritable Tool for National Integration”.

Cultural diversification is an important tool for national integration as it fosters tolerance, promotes social cohesion, and encourages innovation. Nigeria, with over 250 ethnic groups and a rich cultural heritage, is a prime example of a country that can benefit greatly from cultural diversification. In this speech, we will discuss how cultural diversification can contribute to the integration and development of Nigeria, with specific reference to the Nigerian culture.

One way cultural diversification can promote national integration and development in Nigeria is through the preservation and promotion of Nigeria's cultural heritage. Nigeria has a rich and diverse cultural heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation. This cultural heritage includes traditional festivals, dances, music, and customs that are unique to different ethnic groups. By preserving and promoting these cultural practices, Nigeria can celebrate its diversity and promote cultural understanding and appreciation.

For instance, the Osun-Osogbo Festival is an annual festival that celebrates the goddess of the Osun River in Osun State. It attracts people from different parts of Nigeria and the world, who come to witness the rich cultural display of the Yoruba people. This festival is not only a source of entertainment but also a means of promoting the cultural heritage of Nigeria and showcasing it to the world.

Furthermore, promoting cultural diversification can help to promote social cohesion and national unity in Nigeria. When people from different cultures come together, they have the opportunity to work towards common goals and develop shared values. This sense of communal sharing can help to create a stronger sense of national identity and promote a greater sense of belonging.

For example, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program is an initiative aimed at promoting national unity and integration in Nigeria. Graduates from different parts of Nigeria are posted to different parts of the country for a year of national service. This program provides an opportunity for young Nigerians from different cultural backgrounds to interact and learn from one another, fostering greater understanding and empathy among different groups.

Furthermore, cultural diversification encourages innovation and creativity, which are essential for economic development. When people from different cultures come together, they bring with them different perspectives and ways of thinking. This diversity of thought can lead to the creation of new ideas, products, and services.

For instance, the Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, has become a major contributor to the Nigerian economy. Nollywood movies are produced in various Nigerian languages, reflecting the cultural diversity of Nigeria. The success of Nollywood is attributed to the creative ideas of filmmakers from different parts of Nigeria who come together to create stories that resonate with audiences across Nigeria and the world.

Finally, promoting cultural diversification can be achieved through cultural exchange programs. These programs provide opportunities for people from different cultures to interact and learn from one another. In Nigeria, cultural exchange programmes can help to promote greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures, and foster innovation and creativity.

For instance, the Abuja Carnival is an annual cultural festival that attracts people from different parts of Nigeria and the world. The carnival showcases the cultural diversity of Nigeria through music, dance, and traditional costumes. This festival provides an opportunity for people from different cultures to interact and learn from each other, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Nigeria's cultural heritage.

In conclusion, cultural diversification is a tool for national development and integration, and it is essential for Nigeria's development. By promoting cultural diversity, Nigeria can foster tolerance, promote social cohesion, and encourage innovation.