The Vice-Chancellor of Novena University, Ogume, Delta State, Prof. Godwin C. Nduka, has underscored the need to preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage and strengthen national unity through practical engagement, describing the institution’s annual Nigerian People and Culture Day Carnival as a demonstration of the country’s diversity and oneness.
Prof. Nduka stated this on Thursday during the 12th edition of the Nigerian People and Culture Day Carnival held at the university’s sports complex in Amai, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to him, the event represents the practical aspect of the Nigerian People and Culture course taught at the institution, stressing that theory and practice must complement each other.
He noted that the exercise, now in its 12th practical edition, demonstrates the importance of translating classroom knowledge into real-life experiences.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to God for the favourable weather during the event, describing it as evidence of divine support for the programme.
He said the various cultural groups participating in the carnival reflected the diversity that defines Nigeria, affirming that the country remains one united nation.
Prof. Nduka said the cultural exhibitions and performances offered participants and visitors opportunities to learn more about the nation’s rich traditions and values beyond entertainment.
He urged those who missed this year’s edition to attend subsequent celebrations with their friends, assuring them of a rewarding experience.
The Vice-Chancellor also disclosed that new features had been introduced to this year’s programme to deepen participants’ understanding of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
While appreciating guests for honouring the invitation, he assured them that the programme would be conducted promptly to allow attention to other important engagements.
Earlier, the Directorate of General Studies (GST) Dr. Àzuka Chegwe reaffirmed that the annual celebration serves as a practical extension of classroom learning and a platform for promoting national unity and preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Dr. Chegwe said the event marks 12 years of promoting national cohesion and reminding Nigerians that their differences are assets that can be woven into “the beautiful fabrics of our existence.”
According to the director, the programme complements GST 121, Nigerian People and Culture, offered by the Directorate of General Studies.
“This cultural day is the practical face of that course. It moves learning from the classroom to realities and from that classroom to this arena,” the director said.
He explained that the event brings textbooks to life through dance, indigenous cuisines, languages and other cultural expressions, adding that the celebration remains relevant in an era of increasing globalisation and cultural interactions.
The GST director noted that the programme promotes national unity, preserves Nigeria’s cultural heritage, develops students’ soft skills and provides an avenue to showcase the country’s rich diversity.
He commended lecturers in the department for their dedication and praised students for their creativity, commitment and sacrifices toward the success of the event.
“As we complement our classroom work here today, I encourage you to learn, preserve and represent as ambassadors of our Nigerian culture,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of preserving the country’s identity, he said Nigeria’s history and stories must be passed on to future generations.
“Nigeria is not just a country on the map. Nigeria is history. No one can tell our stories but us. Let us continue to tell our stories and teach them to our children so that posterity will always smile at us,” he said.
The annual Nigerian People and Culture Day celebration is organised by the Directorate of General Studies as part of the practical component of GST 121 and is aimed at fostering cultural awareness and strengthening national integration among students.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the event, the Chairman of Southern Ijaw Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Job Darius, commended the school management for the initiative, saying that the programme has significantly impacted the students.
According to him, the Nigeria People and Culture Day Carnival provides students with first-hand knowledge of the country’s diverse traditions that cannot be fully captured in textbooks.
He said the practical experience helps young Nigerians develop respect for cultures other than their own.
HRH Darius noted that cultural erosion poses a major threat to national identity in the digital age. He urged other institutions across the Niger Delta and Nigeria to adopt similar programmes to preserve indigenous languages, customs and values before they are lost to globalization.
He called on government at all levels to support cultural education in schools through funding and policy.
The monarch added that unity can only be achieved when Nigerians understand and appreciate each other’s heritage, and that Novena University’s model offers a template worth replicating nationwide.
The highlights of the occasion were traditional dances, spectacular cultural processions, and showcasing of unique customs and heritage through traditional attire and fashion exhibitions by various groups.
The event also featured Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage, with an array of local foods and cuisines, presentations and readings in indigenous languages aimed at promoting and preserving native tongues, interactive “Guess the Ethnicity” quiz, among others.
