‘Let’s use arts, music to create national identity’
Nigeria’s music, arts and cultural platforms should be harnessed as tools to promote national unity and cohesion, Public Leadership Credential candidate at Harvard Kennedy School, Rotimi Rhodes-Vivour said. He spoke
Nigeria’s music, arts and cultural platforms should be harnessed as tools to promote national unity and cohesion, Public Leadership Credential candidate at Harvard Kennedy School, Rotimi Rhodes-Vivour said.
He spoke in a statement: “Nigeria’s Path to Unity,” urging President Bola Tinubu to adopt a 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.
Drawing lessons from South Africa, he cited the leadership of Nelson Mandela, who used 1995 Rugby World Cup to promote reconciliation.
He said Mandela transformed rugby, seen as a symbol of white minority dominance, into a rallying point for national healing by publicly backing South Africa national rugby team and presenting the trophy to Captain François Pienaar after their victory.
“The tournament became a symbol of reconciliation and togetherness,” he said, noting that visionary leadership can redefine national identity.
He noted Nigeria, with its global influence in music and arts, can adopt this approach.
According to him, a deliberate cultural policy anchored on music festivals, art exhibitions and creative collaborations could unite diverse ethnic and religious groups.
Rhodes-Vivour said his organisation, 616 Global Concepts, under 616 Group, has developed a cultural initiative, Organisation of the Spirit of Urban Lagos (SOUL) Music, Arts and Culture Festival, to celebrate African heritage and strengthen continental unity.
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He said the project, conceived nine years ago, brings together musicians, artists and creatives from Africa to showcase cultural diversity while reinforcing shared heritage.
Beyond entertainment, he said, this will stimulate dialogue, promote mutual respect and position culture as a unifying force and 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.
