Nigeria’s Cultural Diplomacy As Bridge To West African Unity

Cultural diplomacy is a powerful force in Nigeria’s mosaic of diverse cultures that has the ability to transcend borders and forge strong bonds of unity throughout the West African region. As Nigeria emerges as a cultural powerhouse on the continent, its rich tapestry of traditions, art, music, and heritage acts as a bridge, connecting hearts and minds in a shared journey towards greater cohesion and solidarity among West African countries. ROLAND OGBONNAYA investigates how Nigeria’s vibrant cultural diplomacy serves as a catalyst for fostering understanding, promoting collaboration, and weaving a harmonious tapestry of unity across the vibrant mosaic of West Africa.

Nigeria, as a prominent African nation with a rich cultural heritage, is at a critical juncture in which strengthening cultural ties with other West African coun­tries is not only beneficial but also required in order to advance its cultural diplomacy strategy.

As a result, there are several compelling reasons why Nigeria should prioritise strengthening cultural ties with its West African neighbours.

According to Dr. Tiaminu Abubakar, strengthening cultur­al ties with other West African countries promotes regional uni­ty and solidarity. He stated that shared histories, traditions, and values provide a solid foundation for collaboration and mutual un­derstanding, resulting in a more cohesive West African community.

He added that cultural diplo­macy can be an effective tool for promoting regional peace and stability. Through artistic per­formances, cultural exhibitions, and exchanges, Nigeria can help bridge cultural gaps and promote peaceful coexistence among West African nations.

In addition, it brings about economic cooperation and devel­opment.He stated that cultural exchange programs and collabo­rations can significantly improve economic cooperation and de­velopment in Nigeria and other West African countries. Economic growth and investment opportuni­ties can be increased by highlight­ing the region’s cultural richness through collaborative initiatives such as cultural festivals, tourism promotion, and creative indus­tries.

“Cultural diplomacy can help Nigeria’s soft power on the in­ternational stage. Nigeria can improve its image as a vibrant and culturally diverse nation by actively engaging with other West African countries and promoting its cultural achievements, increas­ing its influence in regional and global affairs.

“Partnering with West African countries on cultural initiatives can help preserve and promote the region’s rich cultural heritage.” By sharing cultural practices, tradi­tions, and heritage sites, Nigeria can help to preserve and protect shared cultural legacies for future generations.

“Cultural exchanges facilitate interpersonal interactions, foster­ing greater understanding and ap­preciation among people from dif­ferent countries. Building strong relationships at the grassroots level can pave the way for deeper diplomatic ties and collaborations in other areas, such as education, healthcare, and technology,” he said.

Dr. Abubakar confirmed that strengthening cultural ties with West African countries provides an opportunity to counter nega­tive stereotypes and misconcep­tions that may exist in the region. Nigeria can help reshape percep­tions and promote a more positive image by encouraging cultural di­versity and inclusivity.

All of these reasons resonated recently when Nigeria promised to strengthen cultural ties with other West African countries as part of its cultural diplomacy policy.

The promise was made on Tues­day in Abuja by Hannatu Musa­wa, Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, at the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UN­ESCO)-sponsored event “Sharing Experiences and Good Practices in Safeguarding Intangible Cultur­al Heritage in West Africa.”

At the event, which drew at­tendees from other West African countries, Musawa stated, “Your Excellencies, Distinguished La­dies and Gentlemen, in our pursuit of promoting cultural diplomacy, I stand here today to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to strengthening cultural ties with your respective countries.”

Musawa, who was represented by one of her advisors, Roshan Nanayakkara, stated: “We under­stand the value of collaboration and partnership in realising the full potential of our cultural assets and creative talents. This forum provides an opportunity for us to explore new avenues of coopera­tion, exchange best practices, and form long-term partnerships that will benefit our nations.

“I am confident that by collab­orating, pooling our resources, and sharing our expertise, we can achieve extraordinary results that will benefit not only our countries but the entire world.”

Musawa went on to say, “I would like to thank UNESCO, a key part­ner and supporter of Nigeria’s cul­tural endeavours, for organising this extremely important event. I would like to take this opportunity to invite you all to join us on this transformative journey towards the emergence of Africa’s cultural renaissance, led by West Africa.

“Let us seize this opportunity to strengthen our cultural bonds, ig­nite our creative energies, and lay the groundwork for a future full of hope, inspiration, and prosperity. Together, we can create a world in which art, culture, and creativity act as catalysts for positive change and unity.

Mr. Dimitri Sanga, Director of the UNESCO Dakar Regional Of­fice, stated that the meeting was held to share experiences and best practices related to living heritage in the West African subregion.

Sanga, who was represented by UNESCO’s Representative in Nigeria, Mr Abdourahamane Di­allo, stated, “Indeed, this is one of UNESCO’s roles: to serve as a platform for exchange, dialogue, capacity-building, and networking for its Member States.”

He stated, “This workshop is also a valuable opportunity to strengthen South-South collabo­ration in this field and to ensure better protection of cultural heri­tage in all its forms across the Af­rican continent.” Furthermore, it is important to emphasise that promoting the ICH and its asso­ciated creativity can help create opportunities for communities and individuals, contribute to long-term development, and fos­ter peace.

“This is one more step towards achieving the SDGs and the Agen­da 2063: “the Africa we want.”

He stated, “This meeting is consistent with UNESCO’s Phare Priority Africa program and the declaration of the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development – MONDIACULT 2022.” This meet­ing serves as a prelude to MONDI­ACULT 2025, which aims to make the voices of African countries, particularly those of West Africa, heard.

He stated, “As you are aware, MONDIACULT is a major event in which the 194 member states of UNESCO collaborate to define the global agenda for culture.” The next edition will be held in Barcelona in the second semes­ter of 2025, by which time I hope that all States Parties will have ratified the key Culture UNES­CO conventions, particularly the 2003 Convention on the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which brings us together today.”

Mr. Eleanya Kalu, a cultur­al expert and ambassador, told Saturday’s INDEPENDENT that improving cultural ties between Nigeria and other West African countries can help to promote re­gional unity, understanding, and collaboration. He also mentioned some of the strategies that involve cultural exchange.

He stated that cultural ex­change programmes enable artists, musicians, writers, film­makers, and other cultural prac­titioners to share their work and collaborate with colleagues from other West African countries. This can help to increase cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

In addition, joint cultural fes­tivals are organised to showcase West Africa’s cultural diversity. These festivals may include mu­sic, dance, art, cuisine, and other aspects of regional culture, as well as initiatives to promote the teach­ing and learning of West African languages, histories, and cultures in schools and universities. This can help young people establish a strong sense of regional identity and belonging.

He stated that cultural promo­tion cannot be discussed without considering cultural diplomacy as a means of developing rela­tionships with other West Afri­can countries. Support cultural exchanges, exhibitions, and per­formances that celebrate Nigeria’s cultural heritage and foster mutu­al understanding.

“Promote collaboration on cultural projects such as joint ar­tistic productions, cultural heri­tage preservation initiatives, and research into shared historical and cultural narratives. Invest in cultural infrastructure, such as museums, theatres, cultural centres, and libraries, to serve as focal points for cultural exchange and collaboration with other West African countries.

“Promote tourism that cele­brates Nigeria’s cultural heritage and encourages visitors from other West African countries to discover the country’s diverse cultural offerings. This can help to strengthen people-to-people re­lationships and promote cultural exchange.

“Use digital platforms and so­cial media to connect people from various West African countries and promote cultural exchange online. Virtual exhibitions, online cultural events, and social media campaigns can help to reach a larger audience and promote cul­tural exchange.

Other strategies include form­ing partnerships with cultural in­stitutions in other West African countries to develop joint pro­grams, exhibitions, and events that promote cultural exchange and collaboration, as well as util­ising public diplomacy initiatives to promote Nigerian culture in other West African countries and highlight the country’s cultural achievements and contributions to the region.

By implementing these strate­gies and actively engaging in cul­tural exchange and collaboration with other West African countries, Nigeria can strengthen its cultural ties with its neighbours.