The Dean of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church in Lagos, Nigeria, Venerable Emmanuel Kolawole, has issued a warning about the erosion of cultural values and identity in the country. He made this statement during the 2026 National Harvest celebration at the cathedral, where he emphasized the importance of preserving Nigeria's cultural heritage. Kolawole expressed concern about the lack of interest in history among young people.
According to Kolawole, the Anglican Church's practices are rooted in Scripture, and he provided biblical context for the National Harvest celebration. He referenced passages about the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Harvest, and the offering of first fruits. The cleric noted that giving first fruits is both a biblical and cultural practice. He stressed that names, cultural identity, and history are essential elements that define a nation.
Kolawole highlighted the significance of cultural identity and history, stating that no nation can prosper without taking these elements seriously. He used the example of Israel, which has a deep sense of history and culture, and emphasized that this sense of identity is crucial for a nation's survival. The cleric lamented that many Nigerians no longer speak their indigenous languages or know their history.
The National Harvest celebration serves as an occasion to celebrate history and culture, according to Kolawole. He expressed concern that many children in Nigeria are disconnected from their cultural heritage and urged Nigerians to embrace their roots. The cleric referenced the biblical account of Nehemiah, who grieved over the fallen state of Jerusalem and sought to rebuild his homeland.
Kolawole also expressed concern about Nigeria's declining cultural heritage, noting that Nigerians often prioritize English over their indigenous languages. He contrasted this with nations like the Netherlands, where proficiency in Dutch is required for school admission. The cleric urged Nigerians to be passionate about their homeland and appreciate the efforts that have built other nations.
The 2026 National Harvest celebration drew parishioners from diverse ethnic backgrounds across Nigeria. Notable attendees included the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof Ayodeji Badejo, who started her tenure with a thanksgiving ceremony. Kolawole commended her for this and offered counsel on leadership and administration.
The Governor of Osun State was the Chief Guest of Honour at the event, represented by his Special Adviser on Intergovernmental Relations, Olubi Adejobi. The celebration served as a platform for Kolawole to emphasize the importance of cultural preservation and historical awareness in Nigeria.
Key points
- Venerable Emmanuel Kolawole warns against the erosion of cultural values and identity in Nigeria.
- The cleric emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage and historical awareness.
- Kolawole urges Nigerians to embrace their roots and be passionate about their homeland.
