Bello Urges Protection of Cultural Heritage at Adangara Book Launch
Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, has called for renewed national commitment to cultural preservation, youth education, and unity as dignitaries gathered in Abuja for the presentation of Adangara, a book described as a vital contribution to Nigeria’s cultural renaissance.
The book launch attracted a wide array of 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 from both local and national levels.
The gathering was widely described as a strong demonstration of cross-border cultural solidarity and shared heritage values.
Speaking at the event on Saturday in Abija, Bello noted that the initiative behind the book presentation was conceived only a few months ago but quickly gained support across political, diplomatic, and institutional lines.
He emphasized that the event reflected a long-standing tradition of inclusiveness, where leaders past and present are regarded as partners in nation-building regardless of political affiliation.
According to him, the occasion went beyond a ceremonial book launch, touching on critical themes such as culture, heritage, youth development, cultural policy, and resistance to social and moral decline. He stressed that literature remains one of the most effective tools for preserving collective memory, values, and identity.
Bello warned that Nigeria must not allow its rich cultural heritage to erode under modern pressures, noting that even deeply religious societies continue to protect and respect their indigenous traditions. He said culture forms the foundation of identity and must be deliberately transmitted from one generation to another.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Chuka Odom emphasized that the book was a cultural renaissance of the Nigeria language and their culture.
“The story of Adangara is one that holds out the lamp of the cultural distinctiveness of our people to the whole world.
“And I want to thank the former governor, the former governor, for understanding these facts and being in the vanguard for projecting the culture of the Nigeria people through the vehicle of this operation.
“Sometimes, we read about Greek people, we read about stories of the various cultures and the underlying and other key identities of their being. Sometimes centuries pass and these works are still being studied in the centers of literary excellence across the world. They didn’t just happen. Somebody promoted them. Somebody owned that night.
“So in about time we as Nigerians recognized the rich cultural heritage and identity that we share as a people and give documented heritage, almost heritage”, he said.
Continuing, the former Minister said, “It’s not just all about politics, it’s also about who we are, our cultural identity and where we are coming from.
“So today I want to congratulate Stella Bello for taking this very, very important step in presenting the culture of the Igbira people in the form of a tale, a fictional tale which also identifies the people and in which project”, he said.
— Blogged by Prince Muhammed Otaiki