NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY AND INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES – HER EXCELLENCY, FOLAKEMI I. AKINLEYE

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY AND INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
THEME: “The Role of Indigenous Women in the Preservation and Transmission of Traditional Knowledge”
“It gives me great pleasure and pride to identify with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples as we commemorate the International Day of Worlds Indigenous Peoples. As a woman from a cultural background that encourages originality and dignity in my ancestral heritage, the theme of this year’s celebration is auspicious and close to home.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria shares similar views on the preservation of indigenous peoples as is reflected in the protection of our ancestral lands, dances, languages, cuisines, fashion, symbols, folklore and customs. Nigerian women have contributed in no small ways towards the preservation and transmission of our traditional knowledge in the areas of medicine, cultural education, culinary skills, value-system, history and language.
As we celebrate, it is important that we remember the strategic role women must play in the preservation and transfer of the indigenous heritage of our people through the way we raise our children and the values we inculcate in them.
There is the need to continuously teach the growing generation to be proud of who they are and encourage them to identify with their unique customs and traditions. We should also sensitize them to play their role to preserve the lands and practices that are indigenous to them.
In a world where the uniqueness of indigenous cultural values is fast waning due to globalization and urbanization, it becomes imperative for us to collaborate in various ways to enhance the sensitization, protection and transfer of our cultural heritage to future generations. It is also our shared responsibility to ensure the preservation of our indigenous people.
From the good people of Nigeria, I wish you a successful celebration.”
HER EXCELLENCY, FOLAKEMI I. AKINLEYE
Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of the Philippines
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