Why Nigerians Must Support Cultural Festivals Abroad – Flavours of Nigeria Convener
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Why Nigerians Must Support Cultural Festivals Abroad – Flavours of Nigeria Convener |
Discover why Nigerians should back cultural festivals abroad like Flavours of Nigeria Festival, promoting heritage, unity, and Nigeria’s image worldwide.
Preserving Nigerian Heritage Through Cultural Festivals
Cultural festivals are more than just entertainment—they are platforms for identity, heritage preservation, and cultural diplomacy. The Flavours of Nigeria Festival 2025, held at Brampton’s Gage Park in Canada, highlighted this truth as Convener Chukwuebuka Anyaduba urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to give stronger support to cultural initiatives abroad.
According to Anyaduba, festivals like these serve as cultural bridges, connecting generations and showcasing Nigeria’s rich traditions to the global community. He emphasized that:
- Flavours of Nigeria is not only about food but also about fashion, arts, music, and cultural crafts.
- Support from government, corporate organizations, and the Nigerian community is essential for sustaining such events.
- Participation and funding directly influence how Nigeria is represented on the international stage.
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Highlights From Flavours of Nigeria Festival 2025
Themed “A Cultural Voyage,” the 2025 edition spotlighted the historic Benin culture of Edo State and attracted hundreds of attendees from different backgrounds—Nigerians, Caribbeans, Canadians, and other Africans.
Some of the memorable highlights included:
- Performances by the Afrikan Peach Cultural Group, Ugandan Cultural Troupe, Bepraise Sax, and Shemilore.
- The breathtaking arrival of the Ike ka Ike masquerade from Nigeria, which thrilled the audience.
- Appearances by Nollywood actor Uzee Usman, musician Jumabee, and celebrity chef Sanni Sherif.
For many young Nigerian-Canadians, it was their first real exposure to Nigerian cultural traditions. One attendee, Sarah, shared:
“I’ve never seen a masquerade before. It makes me feel closer to where my parents come from.”
This underscores how festivals serve as a bridge between diaspora children and their cultural roots.
Cultural Diplomacy and National Image
The Nigerian High Commission in Canada was well-represented at the event, with Charge d’Affaires Ambassador Abba Zanna-Kawu present alongside several Canadian lawmakers, ministers, and councillors.
This level of participation reinforces how cultural festivals contribute to cultural diplomacy, showcasing Nigeria positively abroad. As UNESCO highlights, cultural diversity is essential for peacebuilding and global unity—values Nigeria projects through such events.
Why Nigerians Must Rally Behind Cultural Initiatives Abroad
Co-convener Ambassador Akin Oduntan thanked sponsors and partners but stressed that more Nigerians must rally behind cultural initiatives abroad. Without consistent backing, many festivals risk being discontinued, limiting opportunities for future generations to connect with their heritage.
Supporting cultural festivals abroad means:
- Preserving Nigerian traditions for future generations.
- Promoting Nigeria’s global image through cultural diplomacy.
- Boosting economic opportunities for Nigerian artists, chefs, and performers.
- Strengthening the Nigerian diaspora community by creating spaces for cultural pride.
The Flavours of Nigeria Festival demonstrates how cultural events abroad are powerful tools for heritage preservation and national pride. For Nigeria to continue shining on the world stage, individuals, businesses, and government agencies must contribute to sustaining such initiatives.
As the festival’s convener rightly said, these cultural showcases thrive not only on funding but also on community participation. Backing them is not just about entertainment—it is about ensuring that Nigeria’s cultural story continues to be told across generations and continents.
