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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Culture as an instrument of Nigeria's foreign policy |
Authors: | Ogwu, U. Joy Olukoshi, Adebayo |
Year: | 1993 |
Periodical: | African Environment: Environmental Studies and Regional Planning Bulletin |
Volume: | 8 |
Issue: | 31-32 |
Pages: | 67-74 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Nigeria |
Subjects: | culture foreign policy cultural policy |
Abstract: | The expansion of cultural relations amongst peoples will always take place. But when States begin consciously to employ culture for the attainment of their national objectives, then there is a shift from the realm of cultural relations per se to the realm of the diplomatic. After Nigeria became independent from the British, efforts began to be made to reassert some of the cultural values of the country that had been suppressed in the years of colonization. Traditional dances and indigenous music soon became part of official functions. There was, however, a failure to understand that there is much more to culture than traditional dances. With the recent adoption of a new national cultural policy, Nigeria has had an opportunity to make a fresh start in its quest for cultural diplomacy. The author argues that a sound domestic cultural base must be established, which ensures the promotion of Nigerian artists, authors, musicians, sculptors, filmmakers and other cultural workers. In this way, Nigeria can promote its image internationally, take the lead in Africa in redressing the cultural dependency that pervades the continent, and contribute to a greater understanding between peoples. Ref. |