A professor in the department of religious and peace Studies, Lagos State University, Ojo, Professor Oye Oguntola-Laguda has said that religion is a key factor to national development if properly regulated by the government.
Oguntola-Laguda made this declaration at a colloquium in honour of Olori Francis Meshioye at the 60th Birthday celebrations in Lagos, on Thursday.
He urged the government to allow citizens to practise religions of their choice.
He said that this would enable the country’s to grow, as everyone would be happy practising his or her believes.
“Religion is a thing of the mind and individual beliefs.
“The government should not force any religion on its citizens.
“By right, individuals are allowed to practice any religion of their choices being it, Islam, Christianity or Traditional beliefs,” he said.
Oguntola-Laguda appealed to the government to invest more in culture, traditions and religions, because, the sectors are capable of turning the situation of the country for the better.
Also, the Director, Institute for African and Diaspora Studies, University of Lagos, Professor Muyiwa Falaye urged Nigerians to tell the story of Nigeria properly, where ever they are in any part of the world.
“No one can tell your story better than you do” therefore, tell a story that would bring development to the nation.
Falaye said that films and documentaries are very significant in propagating Nigerian culture and traditions.
“Anybody that lost his or her language and culture has lost his social identity.
“Culture is significant to the promotion of a nation’s economy and its well-being.
“Parent should communicate in local dialect with their children at home, teach them our culture and traditions, this will help to value and appreciate our own culture than westernisation,” he said.
Professor Siyan Oyeweso, a Professor of History, said that, if the government wants to promote inbound tourism, tourism infrastructure must be prioritised.
Oyeweso imagined what other countries are doing to get their development right that Nigeria is not doing?
He said that the government needs to get its priority rightly and put all the necessary infrastructures in place for development to prosper in the country.
He urged the government to promote, support and develop our national festivals for economic growth.
Earlier, Olori Francis Meshioye, the celebrant, appreciated the dignitaries present and called for sustainable development goals initiative for the betterment of the country.
Meshioye advises the government to look into the culture as a means of diversification for the sustainability of the country.
“Nigeria is endowed with an enormous culture that can be used to sustain the country.
“The government needs to get its priority right and invest in the rich cultural values for national development,” he said.
Meshioye said that culture could be a catalyst for economic development If properly harnessed.
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