FELIX JEREMIAH, YENAGOA
Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has urged Bayelsans, especially parents to see the preservation and protection of the cultures and traditions of the state, as a collective responsibility of all, noting that failure to do so will be seen as a great disservice to the society.
Governor Dickson, who gave the charge in his remarks at a ceremony marking the 2014 International Museum Day at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa, stated that, as a people, rich in history, every Bayelsan has a duty to preserve and protect the culture of the State with a view to handing it over to the next generation.
“All of us have a duty to preserve and protect our culture so that you can hand it over to the next generation as our fathers handed over to us, otherwise we will be failing in our duty and depriving the coming generation of their completeness if you do not do so.
“You are better when you have full knowledge of your culture and language; that way you will be a more complete human being; ready and able to take on the world.
According to him, the government has undertaken the massive construction of its cultural infrastructure to underline the importance it attaches to the promotion and propagation of the language and culture of the state, stressing that, his administration will continue to take steps to preserve the cultural heritage of the people of the State.
Describing the present administration as a culture-friendly one, he reaffirmed government’s commitment to the preservation and propagation of the arts, especially, the language and museum, which will serve as a reservoir for the rich culture and tradition of the people.
He disclosed that the State Traditional Rulers Council, has been completed and furnished, waiting to be commissioned, while the state Archives and Museum have reached an advanced level of completion.
According to him, it is the desire of government to turn Bayelsa State to the cultural headquarters of the country, adding that, no effort would be spared in ensuring that, all the historical facts and records of the state and its people, wherever they may be ,are brought to the archives of the state for continuous reference and information.
The Governor, who was visibly passionate, noted that, any society that does not regard its culture, will hardly make any meaningful progress, compared to those, who value their culture protect, value and propagate it.
Addressing some children that were in attendance, he said “What we are doing is to hand over our tomorrow to you. We want to build all-round human beings who know the world and promote themselves and their families.”
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Professor Prince Efere said, museum and monuments remind society of its history, noting that it should be used for the cultural revolution of the state.
Professor Efere disclosed that, it is a huge revenue earner, which could be used to boost the economy of the state, adding that the Board will work together to promote the culture and heritage of the Ijaw people.
