WITH the gradual interest in cultural activities by schools across the country, one may conclude that campaign for revitalisation of indigenous culture, especially among younger generations of Nigerians, is yielding results.At the recently held Culture Day by the pupils and students of Praxis Catholic School, Abuja, the union between religion and tradition came to play as children rolled out drums to celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Nigeria.The young ones engaged in various activities including cultural dances, indigenous cuisine fair, drama presentation, poetry and fashion show. They also attempted to communicate in indigenous languages throughout the day.In their various presentations, the young ones attempted to capture the current socio-political situation in the country as they canvass religious and ethnic tolerance.Teachers and management staff of the school were not left out as they joined their pupils and students to celebrate the country's culture and tradition.The Spiritual Director of the school, Reverend Father Sebastian Arokia Raj, who began the day with the celebration of Holly Mass, recalled that in the evolution of Western religion, art played a significant role.While condemning some obnoxious and harmful cultures and traditions that attempt to infringe on people's right and freedom, Father Sebastian shared different opinion with individuals and groups, who regard every cultural activity and traditional observation as fetish. He emphasised the union that had originally existed between religion and tradition and stressed the need for people, irrespective of religious and social affiliations, to uphold their cultural identities.The priest noted that in the early days of Christianity, their ability to observe and respect the culture of the people, created a veritable platform for conversion of more souls.The Indian-born Sebastian also observed that knowledge of indigenous languages is being lost amongst younger generations of Nigerians. According to him, the situation called for great concern. 'I have observed with great concern that most Nigerian children neither speak nor understand their indigenous languages. This calls for worry because losing one's language is as good as losing his or her identity.'He admonished government to begin immediately to address the issue of by ensuring that teaching of indigenous languages is taken more seriously at both primary and secondary school levels.Speaking at the occasion, the head teacher of the school, Gloria Muoegbunam said the in-house cultural activities were part of the preparations towards a mega outing scheduled for July 28 in the school premises.According to her, the oncoming programme was to further create awareness of indigenous cultures and traditions among the young ones as well as take them on the relevance of indigenous languages.She added that Praxis Catholic e-School's curriculum is designed to give equal opportunities to both science and art. Muoegbunam believed that children should be given the privilege and freedom to explore their innate talents. She also highlighted some of the measures adopted by the school to ensure that students are able to communicate in native language.Strategically located within Afab Estate in the Federal Capital Territory, 'Praxis school was established few years ago with the intention of providing sound and qualitative education in both science and arts', Muoegbunam informed.
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