•UNESCO, ex-president task Africans on cultural promotion, unity
The Federal Government yesterday restated its commitment to the funding and sustenance of the Institute for African Culture and International Understanding, an arm of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Foundation.
The Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Senator Bello Gada, and his Education counterpart, Dr. Sam Egwu, gave the assurance at the inauguration of the governing board of the institute in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The institute, facilitated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is a Category 2 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) institution, established to give greater recognition to cultural diversity and dialogue in resolving inter-cultural and inter-religious matters as well as promote reciprocal knowledge, mutual understanding and social cohesion for peaceful coexistence.
Both ministers spoke, just as the Country Representative of UNESCO, Dr. Joseph Ngu, noted that the institute would assist the developing African countries in the promotion of dialogue, technical cooperation and cultural promotion.
Speaking at the event, which attracted eminent personalities, Gada lauded the establishment of the institute in the country, saying Nigeria would benefit immensely from its activities.
The minister, while recalling the vigorous process of mid-wifing the institute and the role played by Obasanjo, pledged the continuous support of the Federal Government to its programmes.
His words: “We will remain committed and resolute on all matters concerning the progress and wellbeing of the institution. I want to assure you that as part of our resolve to support the ideals of the institute, government would continue to support the institute financially within the limits of budgetary provisions and constraints.”
Gada also commended Obasanjo’s innovation through the institute, saying the former president’s “proactive and dynamic leadership” has touched the lives of many Nigerians.
He charged the governing board, headed by Nigeria’s former ambassador to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade, to strengthen the institute’s partnership base and network coverage among similar institutions in Africa and among Africans in the Diaspora.
Egwu, in his own address, submitted that the activities of the institute would enhance the country’s image in the international community.
The minister, however, enjoined members of the board to entrench the institute in the policies of inclusion and equitable representation in its operations to achieve the set objectives and also collaborate with key players in the society, including the academia, faith-based organisations, traditional groups and the private sector.
“Unlike the UNESCO Category 1 Centres or Institutes, which are wholly funded by the organisation, it is the sole responsibility of host countries to fund UNESCO Category 2 Centres or Institutes. UNESCO only provides technical assistance when necessary,” the minister said.
Obasanjo, in his brief remarks, expressed satisfaction with the Federal Government for demonstrating commitment towards the funding and sustenance of the institute.
The former president urged the board to come up with formidable resolutions on ways to resolve conflicts and achieve cultural integration on the continent.
“African problems can only be solved by Africans. Africans should come together to solve their problems,” he stated.
