UNESCO Cultural Diversity Day: Nigeria, Korea Deepen Cultural Ties as Stakeholders Urge Youths to Preserve Heritage

By: Michael Mike

Culture remains one of the strongest instruments for national identity, unity, diplomacy and economic development, stakeholders declared on Thursday at the 2026 Cultural Diversity Day celebration held in Abuja.

The event, organised in partnership with the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria, brought together diplomats, youth representatives, cultural advocates, students and members of the public to commemorate the global observance of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, an initiative established by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)

Held at the Korean Cultural Centre studio in Abuja, the programme focused on the theme: “Culture as Power: Shaping Nations through Creativity and Identity.” Speakers at the gathering stressed that culture should not merely be seen as tradition or entertainment, but as a strategic tool capable of shaping societies, strengthening peaceful coexistence and driving innovation.

Addressing participants, the KCCN Director, Jeon Juho, said: “Young people are not only the future of cultural exchange; they are already active drivers of change,” he added that: “Their ideas and creativity have the power to bridge divides and promote greater understanding among nations.”

He noted that the celebration was designed to encourage deeper intercultural dialogue and strengthen relations between Nigeria and South Korea through cultural exchange.

“Today’s event celebrates culture not only as a reflection of who we are, but also as a powerful force that shapes nations and builds connections across borders,” he stated.

Participants warned against the growing neglect of indigenous cultures among younger generations, insisting that cultural identity remains essential to national cohesion and social stability.

“Our youth, including adults, should not throw away their culture,” one of the discussants said during an interview session. “Our culture is our identity. Our culture is our memory. Our culture is what should bring us together and not put us apart.”

The event highlighted the increasing role of soft power and cultural diplomacy in international relations, with speakers noting that countries around the world are leveraging music, film, literature, fashion and the creative arts to project national identity and strengthen global partnerships.

According to organisers, Nigeria and South Korea have continued to expand cultural cooperation through educational exchanges, youth programmes, artistic collaborations and technology-sharing initiatives.

Explaining the significance of the partnership with Korea, participants said the Korean Cultural Center Nigeria had created a platform for mutual cultural appreciation and collaboration.

“They opened the door for this collaboration,” a participant said. “They are in Nigeria representing Korean culture, so we are celebrating both our culture and their culture together.”

Beyond cultural preservation, speakers also underscored the economic value of culture, noting that creative industries and cultural exchange programmes can contribute significantly to tourism, innovation, job creation and technology transfer.

Representing UNESCO, Peter Omale said: “We have cultural exchange programmes where we exchange not only culture, but also technology,” one speaker explained. “That is part of the gain.”

Analysts at the event noted that countries with strong cultural industries often enjoy greater international visibility and economic opportunities, especially through entertainment, tourism and digital innovation.

The programme also featured the Kim Poo Essay and Video Contest, with organisers applauding participants for their creativity and intellectual depth.

Speakers said the competition demonstrated the critical role young people play in shaping the future through storytelling, innovation and intercultural dialogue.

“Young people are not only the future of cultural exchange; they are already active drivers of change,” an organiser said. “Their creativity and ideas have the power to bridge divides and promote greater understanding among nations.”

Activities at the event included panel discussions, cultural performances and award presentations aimed at promoting tolerance, diversity and collaboration between communities from different cultural backgrounds.

Observers said the celebration comes at a time when global tensions, migration and digital interconnectedness have increased the importance of cultural understanding and inclusive dialogue across societies.

The annual UNESCO-backed observance, celebrated worldwide every May 21, seeks to promote cultural diversity as a foundation for peace, sustainable development and social inclusion.

Over the years, the Korean Cultural Center Nigeria has played an active role in promoting Korean culture in Nigeria through language classes, film festivals, music events and youth engagement programmes, while also encouraging cultural exchange between both countries.

Participants at Thursday’s event expressed optimism that stronger people-to-people connections and sustained cultural collaboration would further deepen diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and South Korea.

UNESCO Cultural Diversity Day: Nigeria, Korea Deepen Cultural Ties as Stakeholders Urge Youths to Preserve Heritage

NDLEA Launches Clean Beat FM, Warns Against Pop Culture That Glorifies Drug Abuse

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), has warned that Nigeria faces grave social and security consequences if the growing glorification of illicit drug use in popular culture is left unchecked.

Marwa issued the warning on Thursday during the commissioning of the NDLEA’s radio station, Clean Beat 91.5FM, in Abuja, describing the new platform as a strategic weapon in the agency’s broader War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.

He called on Nigerians, especially entertainers, influencers, educators, parents and community leaders, to join efforts to challenge what he described as a “toxic pop culture” that increasingly portrays substance abuse as fashionable and acceptable among young people.

According to him, the battle against drug abuse can no longer be won solely through arrests and prosecutions, but through sustained education, prevention and cultural reorientation.

“We recognize that behind every statistic of drug abuse is a human being,” Marwa said. “A vulnerable teenager seeking escape; a broken family searching for answers; a brilliant mind derailed but capable of redirection.”

He said the newly established radio station would provide a counter-narrative to destructive social trends by promoting sobriety, recovery stories and accurate information on the dangers of substance abuse.

“We will counter the toxic pop-culture that glamourizes drug abuse by replacing it with a vibrant, alternative culture—one that celebrates sobriety, showcases real stories of recovery, and provides accurate, life-saving information,” he stated.

The NDLEA boss warned that failure to address the cultural normalization of drug abuse could have devastating implications for national security, public health and economic productivity.

“If we do not control the narrative today, the consequences tomorrow will be catastrophic,” he said. “Substance abuse is a hydra-headed monster that feeds insecurity, decimates public health, cripples economic productivity, and compromises the very future of our workforce.”

Marwa described the launch of Clean Beat 91.5FM as a “paradigm shift” in the agency’s anti-drug strategy, stressing that radio remains one of the most effective means of reaching ordinary Nigerians across homes, markets and communities.

“While enforcement wins battles, education and prevention win wars,” he added. “True victory against the scourge of substance abuse cannot be achieved solely by the cold steel of handcuffs or the iron bars of a prison cell.”

He noted that the establishment of the station was made possible through the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Broadcasting Commission and international partners.

Marwa urged Nigerian youths to take ownership of the initiative by engaging with the station’s programmes and becoming advocates against drug abuse.

“To all Nigerians, and most especially to our vibrant youth: this station is yours,” he said. “Let us rewrite the story of our generation; let us guard the health of our nation; and let us protect the rhythm of our future.”

The launch drew commendations from local and international stakeholders, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which described the radio initiative as an innovative and people-centred approach to drug control.

Representing the UNODC Country Representative, Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga said the station would help take anti-drug advocacy directly into homes, schools and communities, while supporting implementation of Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan.

Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Mr. Charles Ebuebu, described the station as more than a conventional broadcast outlet, saying it represented “the strategic deployment of broadcasting as an instrument of national orientation, behavioural change, youth engagement and social transformation.”

He emphasized that protecting young Nigerians from substance abuse must be treated as a national development priority.

Similarly, the National Orientation Agency, represented by Mr. Bala Musa on behalf of Director-General Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, praised the initiative as a vital platform for citizen reorientation and positive attitudinal change.

The commissioning of Clean Beat 91.5FM comes amid increasing concern over rising drug abuse among Nigerian youths and growing calls for stronger preventive education to complement law enforcement efforts.

NDLEA Launches Clean Beat FM, Warns Against Pop Culture That Glorifies Drug Abuse

Gowon: US, UK Arms Ban Forced Nigeria to Seek Soviet Support During Civil War

By: Our Reporter

Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has revealed that the refusal of the United States and the United Kingdom to supply arms to Nigeria during the civil war forced his administration to seek military support from the Soviet Union and a Lebanese black market arms dealer.

According to Gowon, the unexpected alliances proved decisive in changing the course of the war, which lasted from July 1967 to January 1970.

The disclosure is contained in Chapter Fifteen of his 859 page autobiography, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, unveiled in Abuja on Tuesday. President Bola Tinubu was represented at the launch by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

In the chapter titled If The Devil’s Ready To Help, Gowon recounted the intense struggle his government faced in sourcing weapons as Nigeria’s ammunition reserves dwindled dangerously by late 1968. He revealed that the country’s stockpile had dropped to about half a million rounds for the entire Army, an amount he considered grossly inadequate for sustained military operations.

He explained that international restrictions on arms sales prevented Nigeria from replenishing its military supplies, despite the escalating demands of the conflict.

“As the weeks of fighting wore on, our stock of ammunition was steadily depleted, and we could not replenish them because international sales restrictions prevented suppliers from selling military hardware to Nigeria,” Gowon wrote.

The former military leader added that the shortage forced him to halt further military advances after the capture of Enugu, restricting federal troops to positions around Okigwe and Umuahia.

“Left with no choice, I ordered the Federal troops to hold their position because I could not, in clear conscience, commit them to further advance knowing that the ammunition to sustain the effort was in short supply,” he stated.

Gowon also expressed disappointment with the stance of Western powers, particularly at a time when the United States was heavily involved militarily in Vietnam and Cambodia.

He recalled holding what he described as one of the most significant meetings of the war with the British and American ambassadors, hoping to secure support for Nigeria’s military efforts.

“If I say I’m not disappointed, it will be an understatement,” he said while recounting the encounter.

Gowon noted that he reminded the diplomats of his responsibility to preserve Nigeria’s unity and protect all citizens and foreign nationals living in the country.

He further recalled telling them before their departure from the State House that he would seek assistance from anywhere necessary to defend the nation.

“I will go to any devil to get what I need to deal with the problem and do my duty to my country,” he said.

According to Gowon, both ambassadors left the meeting without making any commitment, but by then, he had already resolved to pursue alternative sources of military support.

Gowon: US, UK Arms Ban Forced Nigeria to Seek Soviet Support During Civil War