Stakeholders Urge Government to Leverage Culture for Peace, National Cohesion

Stakeholders in the cultural and creative sector have called on government at all levels to deploy culture as a strategic tool for promoting peace, unity and national cohesion amid Nigeria’s security and social challenges.

The call was made by the Executive Director of Drum Majors for Peace, Comrade Nsikan Paul, at the opening ceremony of the 2025 National Unity Dance Festival held at the weekend in Abuja.

Speaking at the event themed “Sustaining Unity Through Rhythms and Culture,” Comrade Paul said culture remains one of the most effective instruments for breaking barriers and fostering understanding among Nigerians. He noted that Drum Majors for Peace has, over the past six years, remained committed to promoting unity, stressing that “the most costly peace is better than the cheapest war.”

According to him, the festival was more than a performance, but an affirmation of Nigeria’s shared identity and collective responsibility to promote peace and social cohesion. He urged Nigerians to carry the message of unity from the festival back to their communities.

Drum Majors for Peace is an advocacy organisation dedicated to advancing peace and inclusivity through entertainment, dialogue and youth development.

One of the award recipients for cultural promotion at the ceremony, cultural icon and Managing Director/CEO of Home Seven Apartments, Abuja, Estate Surveyor EdeAbasi UdoUmoh, called for a reward and support system for cultural promoters. He urged government to provide sustained backing for individuals and organisations using culture to promote unity.

UdoUmoh described the award as significant, noting that it would further encourage his organisation’s contribution to the creative and hospitality sectors, including job creation and economic growth. He added that cultural performers should be seen as peace ambassadors whose work can bridge divides beyond politics.

Also speaking, the Patron of Drum Majors for Peace, Dr Dan Akpaida (FIMC), described dance as a unifying force and urged Nigerians to embrace culture as a way of life. He commended the organisers, partners and cultural troupes for strengthening cultural diplomacy, tourism and peaceful coexistence through the festival.

In her welcome address, the Director, Department of Arts and Culture, Social Development Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mrs Ngozi Ogugua, acknowledged the power of culture in guaranteeing unity. She assured participants of continued government support for cultural initiatives and commended the organisers for successfully hosting the festival.