Emmanuel lkpeama
Identifying and knowledge of one’s culture as a child is paramount to self realization. Thus, having knowledge of other people’ culture is an added advantage to the formation and overall development of the growing child which opens the mind to the understanding of different cultures.
This will no doubt forge the spirit of unity and coexistence devoid of unnecessary strives that cause fighting and war.Towards this realization,St Maureen School Ejigbo Lagos,organised it’s 2025 Cultural Day celebration on Saturday 29, March 2025 to showcase culture in 3 geo political zones of Nigeria, South West, South East and South South.
It was a beautiful sight to behold as the pupils paraded in their colourful traditional attire, dancing participating in all sort of didactic and etertaining activities to give the day it’s true meaning.
The students were painstakingly groomed to showcase the 3 geo political zones in Nigeria, South West, South East and South South cultures in terms of of their native attire, language,belief system and local delicacies were on display by the aforementioned groups.
Also parents couldn’t help but dance along in succession with the presentation of Yoruba,lgbo and Efik cultural dance.
Speaking at the occasion, the School Coordinator,Lolo Susan Obesie said the day is set aside for the children to know their culture and the need not to abandon our cultural heritage because Nigeria has a unique culture.
Lolo Obesie went further to state that the essence of the event was to encourage the children in embracing their culture which is a testament to the beauty of our difference and strength that come from embracing our unique identity.
“Today we gather to commemorate the rich diversity of our culture, tradition and heritage. As we celebrate,let us remember that our culture is not just a reflection of the past but also a bridge to our future,that is why it is important to teach our children our rich culture for continuity, respect and values for our culture “she said.
Speaking with investigator news,she stated that so many children, parents have embrace foreign culture,thereby forgetting our culture.
“The aim is for that cultural diversity, so that all our children will know the cultures of each zone and each tribe. So, even the different types of foods each tribe eats. Different types of dances. You can see the Igbo,Yoruba, Efik which represents the South South”she submitted .
She called on all parents to always teach their children their dialect, take them to their community as it will help them especially when they are in danger.
The Chairman of the occasion, Comrade Ogbu Valerian applauded St Maureen School for the initiative, stating that culture which is seen as the people’s way of life would bring the children together so as to a observe our cultural heritage.
Comrade Ogbu said it was necessary for each citizen of the country to forget about ethnic egoism and leave what divides Nigerians and make use of what bound everyone together in other for the nation to be indivisible, stating that the purpose of organizing the cultural day was to train children to embrace their culture, as it is important in the development of society.
“Let us learn to observe our culture,no matter the situation, though the whites came and brought their culture which now change our mindset to certain things especially we Nigerians but thank God the crusade is ongoing especially in schools like St Maureen School Ejigbo where they can see, learn and embrace our culture”he stated.
He appealed to parents to always teach their children their culture, language and what makes their culture unique as it will help the children in future, while commending the students for their performance, urging them to learn from different cultures displayed at the event.
One of the Special guest of honor,Alhaji Sulaimon ldera emphasized the importance of culture, saying that culture has now been enshrined in the school curriculum, stating that Africa and Nigeria at large has a beautiful culture that showcases our culture and identity to the outside world.
Hon Sulaimon,a Chairmanship aspirant of the All Progressive Congress Ejigbo LCDA advised parents especially mothers to always encourage their children to speak their language and understand their tradition and culture,as they are seen as the first teacher while urging the children to take their studies seriously as education can take them to any length of their career in life.
Lending her voices,the Royal mother of the day Chief Mrs Nneka Sanyanolu urged the pupils to appreciate the different cultures in order to ensure peaceful co-existence of the country.
She said,” there is need to constantly remind the students to get abreast of their various cultural diversities and appreciate other people’s culture”
According to her, most of these children are born in Lagos and most don’t even speak their dialects,so they need to be reminded of who they are and where they come from.”
“They don’t know their language and perhaps they have not even visited their villages but with a program like this,it will help them to know their languages “she stated.
While applauding St Maureen School Ejigbo,she urged parents to make their children see the importance of their culture, noting that our culture is very rich.
Chief Mrs Sanyanolu used the occasion to congratulate mothers as they celebrate world international mothers day, saying that mothers are amazing and special breed, while calling on them to be role models to their children.
Also speaking to investigator news,the mother of the day,Mrs Nnenna lroh said culture unites people especially in the school environment as it promotes opportunity for the pupils to rediscover the root and remind them of the tangible and intangible cultural heritage that has been in existence for generations.
She commended the school for promoting culture among the children which would make the pupils to understand the different cultures we have in Nigeria.
“Our language is our identity and organizing such event would bring to the understanding of the children,the diversity in our cultures and making them to understand and see where they are coming from”
“These children are learning,this is not just to get fun as there’s an educational impact in it.Thank God the school just don’t teach children academically but teaches them all around education in terms of social, culture, and everything. So that the children will grow up to become full-blown children.”she submitted.
Highlight of the event was unveiling of the school magazine,the cultural dance competition,food competition, fashion parade and general presentation by the pupils. Each cultural group showcases their traditional dance moves and competed for top prize.
The competition was fierce and the judges had a tough time deciding the winner, what made the celebration even more remarkable was how it brought together pupils from different cultural background.Regardless of their cultural difference pupils bonded over their shared love for their country’s heritage
The pupils from the South South took the day and went home with the top prize, South East took second position and South West came third.
