The director general of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, said culture is key to not only humanizing but bringing the military closer to the citizens.
Runsewe spoke during a courtesy visit of the Niger Republic Higher Military School to the council’s headquarters in Abuja.
The military on a training session of its staff at the Nigerian Defence College with focus on Military Cooperation and Cross Border Security: Case Study of Nigeria, indicated interest in how culture and socio-economic parameters impact security in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, team leader of the Niger Republic military delegates in Nigeria, Colonel Abdoul Razak Ben Ibrahim said, “The comprehension of culture is crucial to security because as military members we work in areas where cultures differ. So, we should understand the different cultures for successful military operations.
“Our presence is also an opportunity to appreciate the Nigerian culture we have always heard about. We are here to take with us a piece of Nigerian culture to integrate with ours.”
Ben-Ibrahim further suggested the possibility of a co-produced festival between both countries and people of the region.
Commending the delegation team on their visit, Runsewe stressed that military is not just about warring, but also about unifying the people, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence amongst its people.
Referencing Nigeria’s establishment of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), post its civil war as a means to unifying the nation, the director general noted NAFEST in its 2022 edition incorporated the Nigerian military in the festival.
Niger’s bilateral relationship with Nigeria, their role in the interception of a large arm smuggling carrier into Nigeria in 2019, which played a huge role in the fight against terrorism (Boko Haram), and both nation’s shared independence year (in 1960), Runsewe said are ample grounds to strengthen cultural relations between Nigeria and Niger.
“If Niger Republic is ready today, with my office we can set up something, as we have done with South Africa. With South Africa, if we do it this year in Johannesburg, we come to Abuja the following year.
“NCAC today, is promoting unity among all security forces – police, armed or air force etc. We also promote the NDLEA for the fact that the agency is working to eradicate drug use among our youths. Anything that promotes Nigerian culture, we are delighted and ready to support,” concluded Runsewe.
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