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In a vibrant celebration of Nigeria’s cultural diversity, students of the College of Communication and Media Studies at Caleb University, Lagos, have launched a cultural heritage campaign aimed at promoting national unity and preserving the country’s rich traditions.
The campaign, themed “Beyond the Tribe: Unity in Diversity,” brought together students, lecturers, media professionals and cultural advocates to demonstrate how Nigeria’s cultural heritage can serve as a unifying force rather than a source of division.
Delivering the keynote address, actor, businessman and creative media strategist, Olanrewaju Olakanlu, popularly known as Mr. Kogberegbe, urged Nigerians to look beyond ethnic differences, embrace their shared humanity and reconnect with their cultural roots.
He encouraged people to build friendships across tribal lines, describing Nigeria’s cultural diversity as one of its greatest strengths.
According to him, the colourful performances staged by the students reflected the country’s shared values and showed that Nigerians have far more in common than what divides them.
“Cultural heritage carries timeless wisdom that can help bridge social divides,” he said.
Olakanlu praised the initiative, describing it as a practical demonstration of the department’s commitment to preserving Nigeria’s cultural identity. He commended both the 100-level and 200-level students for organising an event that went beyond entertainment to educate, inspire and celebrate indigenous traditions.
He singled out one of the dance performances for special praise, noting the discipline, teamwork and creativity displayed by the performers. He also challenged students, journalists and broadcasters to use storytelling to preserve Nigeria’s heritage, especially at a time when globalisation and artificial intelligence are reshaping cultures around the world.
Earlier, the course lecturer for the 100-level students, Mrs. Funmi Falobi, stressed the need to preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage, saying programmes of this nature strengthen unity while encouraging appreciation of the country’s diversity.
She said the campaign’s theme serves as a reminder that although ethnic identities are important, Nigerians share common aspirations that are greater than tribal differences.
“Our strength lies not in uniformity but in the richness of our cultures, languages, traditions and experiences,” she said.
Also speaking, Mrs. Joy Joseph, course lecturer for the 200-level students, explained that the campaign formed part of the practical learning process for two academic courses—Cultural Heritage for Mass Communication students and Foundation of Cultural Reporting for Journalism students.
She said the exercise provided students with practical experience in documenting and communicating cultural values accurately, sensitively and professionally.
Award-winning investigative journalist with ThisDay Newspaper, Mr. Sunday Ehigiator, also highlighted the media’s responsibility in preserving cultural heritage and shaping public perception.
He warned that Nigeria continues to grapple with cultural imperialism, which influences both media content and societal values. While acknowledging that the media can spread foreign cultural influences, he maintained that it remains a powerful tool for promoting indigenous cultures.
Ehigiator urged journalists to prioritise authentic Nigerian stories and cautioned against the growing trend of misinformation and sensationalism driven by the race for social media engagement.
He called on both practising and aspiring journalists to uphold professionalism, ethical standards and responsible storytelling.
Students who participated in the event described it as enlightening, engaging and rewarding.
The cultural campaign formed part of the Continuous Assessment exercise for 200-level Mass Communication students and 100-level Journalism students. It attracted students, lecturers and distinguished guests, including Dr. Kayode Okunade, Dean of the College of Communication and Media Studies.
The event featured colourful displays of Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage through music, dance, drama and traditional exhibitions, reinforcing the message that unity can flourish when diversity is celebrated.
Simisola Ogunremi, Okikiola Lawal & Ajuzie Emmanuel
As parts of efforts to inculcate culture among the young generations, Caleb University, College of Communication and Media Studies organised cultural heritage campaign to foster unity in Nigeria.
An actor, businessman, and creative media strategist, Olanrewaju Olakanlu, popularly known as ‘Mr Kogberegbe, ’ has charged Nigerians to challenge stereotypes, embrace humanity above ethnic differences, and learn more about their cultural backgrounds.
Speaking at an event organised by the students of Mass Communication Department, and Journalism and Media Studies, at Caleb University, Lagos, to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity and cultural appreciation, he stressed that friendships should extend beyond tribal boundaries, describing cultural diversity as a source of strength rather than division.
He noted that the performances reflected creative harmony and demonstrated that Nigeria’s cultural similarities often outweigh its differences. According to him, culture contains valuable wisdom that can help bridge social divides.
Olakanlu described the programme as a commendable initiative that reflected the department’s commitment to cultural preservation. He expressed admiration for the efforts of both the 100-level and 200-level students, noting that they went beyond mere entertainment to create an event that celebrated and promoted cultural identity.
He particularly commended one of the dance performances, highlighting the dedication, preparation, and teamwork put in place to deliver such an energetic presentation. He also emphasized the importance of cultural storytelling in an era shaped by globalization and artificial intelligence, urging students, journalists, and broadcasters to take an active role in telling authentic Nigerian stories and preserving cultural identity.
Earlier in her welcome address, Mrs. Funmi Falobi, course lecturer for 100 level students in the department, emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
She noted that cultural gatherings such as the event provide opportunities to promote unity, diversity, and appreciation of Nigeria’s cultural identity.
“The theme of this year’s campaign, “Beyond the Tribe: Unity in Diversity,” reminds us that while our ethnic identities are important, our shared humanity and common aspirations are even greater. Nigeria’s strength lies not in uniformity but in the richness of its many cultures, languages, traditions, and experiences, ” She said.
Similarly, Mrs. Joy Joseph, Course Lecturer for 200 level explained that the event was particularly significant because it connects directly with two important courses within the university academic programme.
“For our 200 Level students, the campaign complements the course Cultural Heritage, which explores the preservation, promotion, and communication of cultural values, traditions, and identities.
“For our 100 Level Journalism students, it provides practical insight into the course Foundation of Cultural Reporting, which introduces the principles of reporting cultures, traditions, communities, and social practices with accuracy, sensitivity, and professionalism.”
Also speaking at the event, Award winning Investigative Journalist with ThisDay Newspaper, Mr. Sunday Ehigiator highlighted the important role journalists play in preserving cultural heritage and shaping public perception.
Discussing the relationship between media and culture, he observed that Nigeria continues to experience the effects of cultural imperialism, which influences both media content and societal values.
He explained that while the media can serve as a vehicle for foreign cultural influence, it can also be used to promote indigenous cultures and values.
Ehigiator urged journalists and media practitioners to be intentional about telling authentic Nigerian stories and preserving cultural heritage through responsible reporting.
He further warned about the growing influence of social media on journalism, noting that the pursuit of online engagement sometimes encourages misinformation and sensationalism.
He stressed the need for ethical standards, professionalism, and responsible storytelling among both practicing and student journalists.
Student participants described the event as both educational and rewarding.
The event was a part of the Continuous Assessment exercise for 200-level Mass Communication students and 100-level Journalism students.
It brought together students, lecturers, and distinguished guests among them is Dr. Kayode Okunade, Dean of College of Communication and Media Studies, COCOMS.
Students celebrated the traditions, values, and identities of various ethnic groups through music, dance, drama, and cultural displays.
