‘Harness arts, culture to unite Nigeria’
Nigeria’s music, arts and cultural platforms should be harnessed as strategic tools for promoting national unity and cohesion, Public Leadership Credential candidate at the Harvard Kennedy School, Prince Rotimi Rhodes-Vivour
Nigeria’s music, arts and cultural platforms should be harnessed as strategic tools for promoting national unity and cohesion, Public Leadership Credential candidate at the Harvard Kennedy School, Prince Rotimi Rhodes-Vivour said.
He made the call in a statement titled “Nigeria’s Path to Unity,” urging President Bola Tinubu to adopt a deliberate cultural policy to strengthen national bonds. He argued that at a time of deep social and political divisions, culture offers a non-partisan pathway to rebuild trust and shared identity among Nigerians.
Drawing lessons from post-apartheid South Africa, he cited the leadership of Nelson Mandela, who used the 1995 Rugby World Cup to promote reconciliation. According to him, Mandela transformed rugby, then seen as a symbol of white minority dominance, into a rallying point for national healing by publicly backing the South Africa national rugby union team and presenting the trophy to captain François Pienaar after their victory.
Advertisement
300x250
“The tournament became more than a sporting event; it became a symbol of reconciliation and togetherness,” Rhodes-Vivour said, noting that visionary leadership can redefine national identity.
Read Also: JUST IN: FG fulfils promise as D’Tigress receive house documents, national honours in France
He maintained that Nigeria, with its global influence in music and the creative arts, is well positioned to adopt a similar approach.
According to him, a deliberate cultural policy anchored on music festivals, art exhibitions and creative collaborations could unite diverse ethnic and religious groups under a shared national vision.
Rhodes-Vivour disclosed that his organisation, 616 Global Concepts Ltd., under the 616 Group, has developed a long-term cultural initiative, the Organisation of the Spirit of Urban Lagos (SOUL) Music, Arts and Culture Festival, designed to celebrate African heritage and strengthen continental unity.
Advertisement
300x250
He said the project, conceived over nine years ago, aims to bring together musicians, artists and creatives from across Africa on a single platform to showcase cultural diversity while reinforcing shared heritage. Beyond entertainment, he stressed, such initiatives could stimulate dialogue, promote mutual respect and position culture as both a unifying force and an economic driver.
“As Nigeria’s leadership seeks pathways to stability and development, culture offers a powerful, peaceful and inclusive instrument for unity,” he said.
Rhodes-Vivour added that by investing in creative expressions that celebrate diversity and common identity, Nigeria could set a model for African solidarity and inspire a new narrative of togetherness across the continent.
