Lagos: Nigeria's foremost female talking drummer, Aralola Olumuyiwa, has urged Nigerians, particularly the media and cultural stakeholders, to amplify Nigeria's heritage for future generations. Ara made the call at the Cultural Day event of the 2025 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, News Agency of Nigeria (NUJ-NAN), Lagos Chapel on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the drummer emphasized that culture is Nigeria's identity, one of the nation's greatest tools of diplomacy, and its future economy. She stressed that celebrating and taking traditions seriously would result in global recognition.
Ara asserted that culture is not old-fashioned but is indeed Nigeria's identity, pride, and future. She highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting various cultural aspects, including languages, music, fashion, values, and cuisine.
Ara also discussed the significance of preserving storytelling, language, food, crafts, traditional music, and respect for elders. Reflecting on her personal journey, she spoke about the impact of names and heritage on shaping an individual's life, citing the meaning of her own name, Aralola.
She advised Nigerians to be intentional when choosing names for their children and underscored the media's role in amplifying Nigeria's heritage so that future generations could embrace and celebrate it as their strength.
Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, Head of the Editorial Department at NAN's Lagos office, supported Ara's sentiments, stating that culture is foundational to identity. Omowole lamented the neglect of Nigerian indigenous languages and encouraged the youth to use digital platforms to reclaim their linguistic heritage.
Mr Kevin Okunzuwa, a Deputy Editor-in-Chief at NAN, described the inability to speak one's dialect as an aberration, noting that the loss of cultural values has led to societal derailments. He emphasized the importance of being able to speak one's dialect regardless of location.
Mr Yunus Yusuf, Chairman of NAN NUJ, echoed the significance of the media in promoting culture and described the NAN NUJ Cultural Day as a vital platform for showcasing and preserving Nigeria's heritage.