Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has explained why dismissing African indigenous spirituality is misguided, warning that such actions amount to blasphemy against global spirituality.
Soyinka spoke in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Saturday during the World Heritage Day celebration themed “Akwa Ibom Heritage Alive.”
World Heritage Day is observed to promote awareness of the diversity of cultural heritage and the need to preserve it.
The renowned playwright criticised the tendency among some Nigerians to label their indigenous cultural and spiritual practices as “fetishism” or “primitive,” while celebrating similar traditions abroad.
He argued that such views stem from ignorance, stressing that these practices represent deeper symbolic, artistic, and spiritual expressions recognised globally.
He said, “What some people consider primitivism or fetishism is ignorance. People are celebrating these things over there. Go to Barbados, you will find masquerades, you will find dances also, which you have seen today, and we can only say may these deities of the world open their minds and get them eventually to stop blaspheming against the spirituality of the world.
“What a day like this means is very simple—bring your own wares, spiritual wares, to view; bring yours, and I bring mine. What UNESCO is all saying is that Godhead is one, but there are many parts to Godhead. So construct your part and leave me alone to construct mine.”
In his remarks, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, said the state continues to preserve its heritage through songs, folklore, and local cuisines such as ekpang nkukwo, asa iwa, afia efere, atama, usung ikpong, and edikang ikong.
“Every end of the year, all the 31 local government areas in the state showcase their rich cultural heritage during the Christmas Village Festival.”
Represented by Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, the governor added that the state is also boosting tourism through investments in healthcare infrastructure.
She listed Akwa Ibom Palm Resort, Ibom International Conference Centre, and Ibom Specialist Hospital as key tourist attractions.
“Our administration is passionately dedicated to harnessing these rich cultural blessings to make tourism a key element of our identity.
“With a rich network of roads that seamlessly connect the state across the three senatorial districts, a thriving nationally celebrated airline, Ibom Air, which will soon commence its international flights, and our investment in the Maritime and Blue Economy in Oron, Akwa Ibom’s identity is truly on the ascendance.”
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