The convener of the 2022 Olokun Festival, Omolara Fashola, says culture will increase Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) if properly harnessed.

Ms Fashola stated this at a news conference on Saturday, ahead of the festival slated for August 26 in Lagos.

“My belief is that if culture is properly harnessed, it will increase the gross domestic product of Nigeria and of course, the entire African continent. There is need to enlighten our youths to take their destiny into their hands. They should take due advantage of the continent’s rich cultural diversity to develop themselves economically,” she stressed.

According to her, this requires every African’s concerted efforts, time and attention.

Ms Fashola added that the promotion of African culture should impact how people view life, which according to her, gives the continent an edge over other continents.

She, however, mentioned that local cultures had been pushed aside for foreign orientations in terms of food, languages, entertainment and fashion.

‘’Promoting the Yoruba Culture through the Olokun Festival has come to mend the gap by showcasing our culture in the best way possible with our local cuisine, music, fashion, and folklore, among others,” the Olokun festival convener stressed.

John Oba, a representative of the African Union-ECOSOCC Nigeria, said Nigeria’s culture would solve most vices plaguing the nation.

‘’If we want a corrupt-free Nigeria, we need to task our leaders to go by our culture. Once elected, they should swear by our culture. If we can imbibe our culture, corruption will be something of the past. Also, we must bring our culture to the fore so that our youths can understand its value; be properly moulded to be the people they are supposed to be, and we will not lose our identity,‘’ Mr Oba said.

(NAN)