The Emir of Kwandare in Nasarawa State, Dr. Ahmadu Al-Makura, on Tuesday, called for regular cultural festivals by ethnic nationalities to preserve and promote Nigeria’s culture. The traditional ruler made the call during a cultural display by Gwandara people in Kwandare, Lafia Local Government Area of the state.

Al-makura said that it had become necessary for ethnic groups to revive their cultures and traditions going into extinction. He said that promotion of Nigeria’s culture would curtail Western influence on the citizens.

He advised that the younger generation should be encouraged to participate actively in such festivals to be able to appreciate them and give less attention to foreign ways of lives. Al-makura said that undue Western influence was misleading some young Nigerians, some of who, he said, had been involved in vices. He described the cultural display by Gwandara people as timely in view of its importance to the present generation fast losing cultural values, norms and identities.

The monarch hoped that that display would mark the beginning of culture promotion among Gwandara people. “Gwandara people have a rich culture, and we are proud of our tradition; we must do everything possible to promote it,” he said. The cultural display was organized by the Sarkin Kwandare to showcase different traditional dances.

By: Musa Muhammed-Mustapha