FG restates commitment to support traditional institutions

Federal Government on Thursday restated its commitment to support traditional institutions in achieving their importance in the society.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed stated this in Abuja at a Public Lecture and book presentation on “Leadership, Culture and Ethics in Nigeria.”

The book was authored by, Dr Ferdinand Anikwe, Director-General, Centre for Black Arts and African Civilisation (CBAAC).

The minister who was represented by Mrs Lizzy Ihezue-Iwuamadi, Director Cultural Heritage and Industries in the ministry, said Nigerians should be passionate in advocating for ethical conduct at all levels.

“I wish to assure you that the federal government will continue to reckon with our traditional institutions as well as give them the necessary support as custodian of our culture.

“I call on CBAAC to promote African cultural values and harness same for national development.

“I also want to assure the management of CBAAC and stakeholders that the agency would continue to enjoy the support of the ministry so long as this tempo is sustained by the organisation.

“The title of the book brings to mind some of the teething problems that have bedevilled the nation in recent times, which is dearth to ethical conduct in leadership position, “the minister said.

According to him, this had been the bane of our society and a cloak in the wheel of progress for Nigeria’s growth and development for many years.

The minister also noted that African cultural values preaches brotherhood and being our brother’s keeper, respect and honour for elders, self control, courtesy, forgiveness, harmony and peaceful co-existence.

Speaking earlier, Anikwe, said that one of the driving force for the project was to take a cursory look at the conducts of our political elites and leaders in the society.

According to him, the book represents a modest contribution of the centre in support of the current administration’s efforts at entrenching ethical conduct at all levels in public spheres.

“Our ultimate desire is not only to stem the tide of the lack of ethical conduct in leadership in the country, but translate them into national governance for a better society,” Anikwe said.

The book reviewer, Prof. Olu Obafemi said that the book was packaged at a good time when leaders were looking for strategies to diversify the economy.

“Anikwe’s commitment in CBAAC and Pan Africanism, accounts for the ingenuity that produced this book.

“The book contains views of traditional rulers across the country who made good recommendations that can positively promote national unity.

“I recommend this book to schools, intellectuals and everyone that loves leadership, culture and ethical values of Nigeria and Africa,”he added.