Yahaya Bello urges cultural revival, youth education at Abuja launch of Adangara

Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has called for a renewed national commitment to cultural preservation, youth education, and unity, warning that Nigeria risks losing its identity if deliberate steps are not taken to protect its rich heritage amid modern pressures.

Bello made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the public presentation of Adangara: Legend of the Oris, a book authored by Stella Avosuahi Bello.

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He described the book as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s cultural renaissance and a vital tool for strengthening collective values and national consciousness.

The event drew a broad spectrum of dignitaries and stakeholders, including representatives of the Kingdom of Ghana, which currently leads the International Society for Cultural Affairs (ISCA), former ambassadors, members of the National Assembly, executive council members, and government officials at both local and national levels.

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Observers described the gathering as a strong display of cross-border cultural solidarity, reflecting shared African heritage values and the importance of regional cooperation in preserving culture and history.

Speaking at the event, Bello said the initiative behind the book presentation was conceived only a few months ago but quickly attracted widespread support across political, diplomatic, and institutional lines.

He noted that the impressive turnout underscored a long-standing tradition of inclusiveness, where leaders—past and present—are regarded as partners in nation-building, irrespective of political affiliation.

According to him, the occasion went far beyond a ceremonial book launch, as it engaged critical national issues such as culture, heritage preservation, youth development, cultural policy, and resistance to social and moral decline.

Bello stressed that literature remains one of the most effective tools for safeguarding collective memory, values, and identity, adding that societies that fail to document and teach their culture risk eroding their foundations.

He warned that Nigeria must not allow its cultural heritage to fade under the influence of modernization, noting that even deeply religious societies around the world continue to preserve and respect their indigenous traditions.

“Culture is the foundation of identity and must be deliberately transmitted from one generation to another,” he said.

Speaking on the book, the author, Stella Bello, said the story resonates with many of life’s struggles, particularly those surrounding identity and destiny.

Participants at the event echoed calls for stronger cultural education, urging that books such as Adangara be incorporated into Nigeria’s educational curriculum from primary to tertiary levels.

They argued that education should extend beyond academics to include cultural consciousness, values, and pride, especially among young people.

The book launch also served as a platform to reinforce national unity, with speakers emphasizing that despite political, ethnic, or ideological differences, Nigerians remain one family bound by shared history and aspirations.

Speakers further described the initiative as a strategic effort to project Nigerian culture to a global audience while strengthening cultural education at home.

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