The Nation reports that cultural stakeholders and government officials in Lagos used the return of the Fanti Carnival to advocate for culture as a tool for national integration.
Speakers argued that Nigeria’s diverse traditions should be framed as a strength, with the carnival’s heritage displays serving as a platform for dialogue on peace-building through the creative arts.
The Punch and Tribune also noted the event’s public resonance and calls for more state-supported cultural festivals to counterbalance security and political tensions.
Echotitbits take: Cultural diplomacy is an underused soft-power lever in Nigeria’s national-cohesion toolbox. The carnival’s reception suggests a public appetite for shared-identity events. Expect more festival revivals and culture-led peace-building programming in 2026, especially where states want non-security pathways to reduce tensions.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/stakeholders-advocate-culture-as-tool-for-national-unity/ 2026-01-30
Photo Credit: The Punch
