Nigeria has positioned itself as a leader in Africa’s commemoration of the 20th anniversary of UNESCO’s 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, reaffirming its status as a cultural powerhouse on the continent.
Speaking at a high-level symposium in Abeokuta on Monday, Professor Emeritus Peter Okebukola, Director of the Institute for African Culture and International Understanding (IACIU), highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to cultural preservation.
“Our rich cultural heritage reflects the strength and resilience of our people. This milestone offers an opportunity to deepen our efforts in protecting and promoting diverse cultural expressions,” he said.
The symposium, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, was chaired by Dr. Idowu Olagunju, Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO.
He emphasized the 2005 Convention’s impact on cultural diversity, particularly in relation to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Kenya’s former Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Ambassador (Dr.) Mary Khimulu, commended Nigeria’s leadership in implementing the convention’s provisions, while speakers from leading Nigerian universities underscored the need for cultural preservation to begin at home, with parents playing a key role in passing down traditions.
The communique from the event called for increased public awareness of cultural policies, especially among youth and rural communities.
Nigeria’s contributions to global cultural discourse were further highlighted at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on February 14, 2025, where the country launched Cultural Odyssey: 20 Years of Implementation of UNESCO’s 2005 Convention in Nigeria.
The book, edited by Okebukola and authored by 48 Nigerian scholars, chronicles the nation’s journey in implementing the convention, its impact, and key lessons learned.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to UNESCO, Dr. Hajo Sani, received international praise for Nigeria’s commitment to cultural advocacy.
Over the past two decades, Nigeria has utilized its thriving music, film, literature, and arts industries to showcase its creative strength on the world stage.
As part of the anniversary celebration, Nigeria has planned a series of high-profile events, including, Cultural Carnivals – Featuring performances that highlight the country’s diverse heritage, National and Art Exhibitions – Showcasing Nigeria’s creative industries and visual arts and Policy Dialogues – Engaging experts, policymakers, and community leaders on the role of cultural diversity in development.
Other events include, Workshops & Seminars – Training cultural practitioners, artists, and educators on best practices for cultural preservation and Youth Engagement Programs – Encouraging young people to take an active role in safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
With these initiatives, Nigeria is not only celebrating a milestone but also shaping the future of cultural diversity and creative expression in Africa and beyond.
