Former Minister of Information and prominent Nigerian politician, Labaran Maku, has expressed deep concern over what he described as the gradual disappearance of cultural festivals in Nasarawa State, warning that Nigeria’s rich indigenous heritage is increasingly under threat if urgent steps are not taken to preserve it.
Maku made the remarks in December 2017 while speaking on the importance of culture in national development, tourism promotion, and social cohesion. He lamented that cultural festivals, which once served as a unifying platform for communities across Nasarawa State, appear to have declined significantly in recent years, leaving a gap in traditional celebrations that once defined community identity and pride.
According to him, the neglect of cultural festivals is not just a local issue but part of a broader national trend that could have long-term consequences for Nigeria’s identity and unity. He stressed that culture remains one of the most powerful tools for promoting tourism, generating income, and fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnic groups.
“Our culture is dying; culture is one of the ways of promoting tourism and unity. Culture is one of the best ways of making money as well as promoting unity and there is no longer cultural festival in Nasarawa State. Why are we not having cultural festival again in Nasarawa State,” he said.
He further warned that the rapid disappearance of cultural practices across various ethnic groups in Nigeria should be a source of serious concern for both government and traditional institutions. Maku noted that if urgent intervention is not taken, future generations may grow up without knowledge of their cultural roots, traditions, and historical identity.
He emphasized that documentation and preservation of cultural history should be prioritized at all levels of society, including local communities, educational institutions, and government agencies, to prevent cultural extinction.
“The rate at which some aspects of many ethnic cultures are disappearing in Nigeria if not checked and urgent steps not taken, Nigerians will wake up one day and discover that all cultures are gone. It is important to always document the cultural history in order to save Nigerian indigenous cultures from going to extinction,” he stated.
Maku also highlighted the educational value of cultural history, explaining that it plays a crucial role in helping societies understand their past, make sense of the present, and properly plan for the future. He stressed that without a strong connection to cultural identity, communities risk losing a sense of belonging and direction.
“Cultural history and history in general is very important because it enable us to know the past, the present and to plan ahead for the future, hence the need for every tribe to preserve and promote its culture,” he added.
He called on stakeholders, including government at all levels, traditional rulers, cultural organizations, and community leaders, to revive cultural festivals and create platforms that will encourage young people to take pride in their heritage. According to him, cultural revival would not only strengthen unity but also open up new economic opportunities through tourism and creative industries.
Observers note that Nasarawa State, like many parts of Nigeria, is home to diverse ethnic groups with rich cultural expressions, festivals, dances, and traditional practices that have historically played a major role in community bonding. However, modernization, urban migration, and lack of funding for cultural events have contributed to the decline of such festivals in recent years.
Maku’s comments continue to resonate in discussions around cultural preservation in Nigeria, as many stakeholders increasingly call for renewed investment in cultural education and the revival of indigenous festivals as a way of safeguarding national identity.
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