The Nigerian Union of Journalists, News Agency of Nigeria Chapel (NUJ-NAN) has celebrated its 26th Press Week with a Cultural Day aimed at promoting Nigeria’s cultural diversity, heritage and national unity.
The event, held on Tuesday in Lagos, featured cultural displays including traditional attire, music, dancing and dishes representing different parts of the country.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Vivian Ihechu, said the Cultural Day was organised to promote national unity and encourage Nigerians to preserve and pass their cultural heritage on to younger generations.
Ihechu said Nigeria’s diversity remained one of the country’s greatest assets, noting that people from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds could come together as one nation.
She also expressed concern that some young Nigerians were gradually losing touch with their indigenous languages, ancestral roots and traditions due to the increasing use of English.
According to her, the event provided an opportunity to showcase indigenous languages, music, traditions, dressing and cuisines while encouraging Nigerians to take pride in their cultural identities.
Chairman of NUJ-NAN Lagos, Yusuf Yunus, commended media practitioners for using cultural expression to promote national cohesion.
Yunus said journalists, beyond their responsibility of reporting events and contributing to public discourse, also had an important role to play in preserving and promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
He urged media professionals to use their platforms to encourage cultural integration, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
Addressing students who attended the event, Yunus encouraged them to value their cultural roots, maintain moral discipline and pursue educational excellence as future leaders.
He also paid tribute to Fuji musician Dr Adewale Ayuba, describing his Bonsue Fuji style as a lasting contribution to Nigerian culture.
Yunus praised Ayuba’s decades of musical excellence and his contribution to promoting cultural pride and unity across generations.
The Press Week activities included a medical outreach and a walk involving staff and students of Yaba College of Technology, while the Cultural Day allowed staff members to represent different Nigerian ethnic groups and showcase their cultural heritage.
During the event, Ayuba spoke about the cultural significance of the kolanut, particularly within Yoruba traditions. He explained that items such as obi or oji and orogbo or aku ilu are commonly used during ceremonies and celebrations, including naming ceremonies, weddings, housewarmings and birthdays.
Millicent Ifeanyichukwu of the Editorial Department emerged winner of the cultural attire competition.
Ifeanyichukwu, who represented Igbo culture, said she was surprised and excited by the outcome, explaining that she had participated mainly to have fun and did not expect to win.
Her outfit featured an ichafu headgear, red blouse, beads and other traditional accessories.
She highlighted the richness of Igbo culture, particularly its traditional cuisine, including oha soup, onugbu and ofe nsala, which were among the dishes showcased at the event.
She commended the NUJ-NAN Chapel for creating an opportunity for staff members to display their cultural heritage and talents.
The Cultural Day formed part of activities marking the 26th NUJ-NAN Press Week.