The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in collaboration with O&i Contact Limited, has unveiled a new book titled Culture Nigeria, describing it as a timely contribution to national discourse and a roadmap for promoting unity, peace and sustainable development.
The book was presented during a ceremony organised by the NUJ National Secretariat and O&i Contact Limited in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya, who was represented by the National Secretary of the Union, Achike G. Chude, said the unveiling of Culture Nigeria was more than a literary achievement, describing it as a significant intervention at a time when Nigeria is facing economic, social and structural challenges.
He noted that Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage should not be viewed as a relic of the past but as the foundation for building a stronger and more united nation.
According to him, culture remains central to politics and national development, providing a unique framework for understanding and addressing the country’s contemporary challenges, particularly insecurity.
He observed that Nigeria’s more than 250 ethnic groups should be regarded as a source of strength capable of driving economic growth and social cohesion, rather than serving as a basis for division.
The NUJ President expressed concern over what he described as the dangerous intersection between culture and politics, noting that successive political actors had often exploited ethnic and cultural differences for electoral advantage instead of using them to strengthen governance.
He said such practices had fuelled identity politics and weakened public confidence in national institutions.
He therefore called for a shift from the politicisation of culture to what he described as the “culturisation of politics”, where governance is guided by indigenous values such as integrity, accountability, honour and mutual trust.
On the country’s security challenges, the NUJ President stressed that while military operations remained necessary, they could not, on their own, resolve the root causes of insecurity.
He described culture as one of Nigeria’s most underutilised tools for restoring peace, noting that traditional rulers, community leaders and local associations had historically maintained order and social harmony before the advent of modern policing.
According to him, strengthening these traditional institutions would enhance community intelligence gathering and provide effective early-warning mechanisms for addressing security threats.
He also warned that insecurity thrives where young people become disconnected from cultural values that promote respect for life, hard work and communal responsibility, making them more vulnerable to criminality and violent extremism.
Speaking on national development, he emphasised that meaningful progress could not be achieved without policies that reflected the values, traditions and realities of the people.
He highlighted Nigeria’s creative industry, including Nollywood, Afrobeats, fashion and literature, as one of the country’s most valuable non-oil sectors, capable of generating employment, attracting foreign exchange and strengthening Nigeria’s global influence through cultural diplomacy.
He added that by publishing Culture Nigeria, the NUJ had reaffirmed the media’s responsibility not only to report daily events but also to preserve and promote the nation’s cultural identity.
He said Nigeria could not overcome its present challenges through legislation and military action alone without rebuilding the cultural values that unite its people.
Describing the publication as a rich and inspiring compendium, he said the book captures the beauty and diversity of Nigeria across its geopolitical zones while reminding citizens that the country’s present difficulties do not define its future.
He noted that the publication encourages Nigerians to rediscover their shared values and build a collective national identity capable of fostering unity and sustainable development.
The author of the book, Mr Isaac Osaikhiwu, described Culture Nigeria as more than a book, saying it is a monumental compendium that documents the cultures of the various peoples that make up the country.
According to him, the publication provides a rich and comprehensive account of Nigeria’s cultural diversity while highlighting the connection between culture, governance and national development.
He explained that the book seeks to establish the relationship between culture and the effects and consequences of governance amid what he described as a decline in cultural values.
Mr Osaikhiwu said that although the primary objective of the book is to celebrate Nigeria and its diverse peoples, it also demonstrates that the wellbeing of the nation is largely determined by the socio-cultural values upheld by its citizens.
He expressed optimism that the publication would encourage Nigerians to appreciate their cultural heritage, strengthen national unity and inspire leaders and citizens alike to promote values that foster peace, good governance and sustainable development.
Dignitaries at the event also urged Nigerians to project a positive image of the country, stressing that despite its challenges, Nigeria remains a nation blessed with immense cultural diversity, resilience and enormous potential. They emphasised that Nigeria is not the worst country in the world and called on citizens to celebrate its achievements while working collectively to overcome its challenges.
