Desist from relegating traditional institution, NICO advises youths

The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) on Friday advised Nigerian youths not to relegate the traditional institution.

Ado Yahuza, the Executive Secretary of NICO, gave the advice during the 15th International Arts and Crafts Expo (INAC) held in Abuja.

The theme for the expo was: "Networking Nigerian Crafts to the World ".

Yahuza said the repercussion to disrespecting the traditional institution could be grievous as it meant total disagreement with the cultures in the nation of which should be protected.

He said that youths were always found in the habit of disrespecting the traditional institution which was disheartening.

According to him, efforts are consistently made by relevant agencies of government especially in the culture sector to correct this trend.

" During the ENDSARS event, which happened in the country about two years ago, one could imagine how some young men and ladies went to the palace of an Oba and sat down on the chair and even carried his staff of office.

"This incident and many more has been seen but if they know the implication of that culturally, they won't go to that extent.

"I advise that we take our culture seriously, desist from disrespecting the traditional institution but uphold it, it is an aspect of our culture that should be respected and protected," he said.

Yahuza urged parents to educate their wards on cultural issues and teach them the indigenous languages to help them to be resourceful individuals.

He advised that Nigeria's cultural diversity be utilised as a strength, adding that children should be encouraged to speak as many languages as possible.

According to him, this will aid understanding among tribes and ethnic group as well as guide against conflict.

"We need to know our culture and utilise the diversities we have, if you go to China, they are making a lot of money from their cultural resources especially with the tourism sector, arts and crafts.

" For us in NICO, we have realised that the most important aspect of our diversity as a nation is our indigenous language.

"We need to understand our own local languages, we need to learn one another's indigenous languages, this gives you an edge over other person who can only speak one language.

"Being multilingual creates understanding, gives room for peaceful coexistence and eradicates conflicts.

"The problem we have in the country is we the elites don't train our children to learn our indigenous languages but speak English language with them, it is wrong," he said.

Yahuza who attributed the high level of indiscipline among Nigerian youths to lack of cultural training urged parents to intensify their efforts to inculcate morals in their wards.