Nigeria, Zambia employ cultural ties to foster defence collaboration

Nigeria and Zambia have resolved to inculcate indigenous cultures in their rules of engagement as a veritable tool to enhance civil-military relations in the two countries.

The decision was reached when a delegation from the Zambian Defence Services Command and Staff College Course 25/23 paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Mr. Segun Runsewe in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The head of the delegation Col. Masheke Mutemwa who represented the Commandant, Zambian Defense Services Command and Staff College said the visit was part of the curriculum of the college which provides opportunity for the course participants to undertake a tour of various countries of the world to share cultural ideas and build strong diplomatic ties.

“The visit is to conduct research into the cultural similarities between Nigeria and Zambia, as well as the efforts and impacts of the Nigerian government on regional and international stability through briefs and interactive sessions. The comprehension of culture is crucial to security because as military members we work in areas where cultures differ. So, we should understand the different cultures for successful military operations”. Mutemwa stressed.

He added that the participants were pleased to visit the home of culture in Nigeria to understudy how the country has been able to co-exist despite her multi-cultural differences, which has aided human capital and economic development in the West African region. He promised to use the outcome of the visit as bedrock for cultural collaboration between both countries.

The Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Segun Runsewe, expressed delight with the visit. He said the visit will open vistas of cultural exchange and collaborations between Nigeria and Zambia.

“The visit will provide a rewarding platform for cultural diplomacy and tolerance around the world. The military should not be about war and the protection of national boundaries against external aggression but should be a tool for unifying the people and the promotion of peaceful coexistence amongst different cultures,” he said.

The Highlight of the visit was the presentation of cultural gifts and souvenirs to the delegation by the Director-General of the council.