President Goodluck Jonathan has stated that one of the ways Nigerians can display patriotism is to obey Nigerian culture, stressing that indecent dressing does not project the image of the country positively.

Dr. Jonathan, who stated this in a goodwill message at the commissioning of the Headquarters complex of the Nigeria-Ukraine Chamber of Friendship, Culture and Commerce (NUCFCC), said dressing in Nigerian attires is one of the best ways to show respect for our culture.

He said: “As Nigerians, let us form the habit of dressing Nigerian. A lot of Nigerians do not dress in Nigerian attires. Many people wear dresses that expose sensitive parts of the body. A lot of people are not happy that in public events, many Nigerians do not dress in the attires Nigerians are known for. Many people are not decent in their dressing. A formal occasion is not a place to show off with indecent dressing. It is not our culture. Let us dress in a responsible manner that we will be ethically presentable.”

The President was represented by his Special Adviser on Ethics and Values, Dr. Sarah Jibril, just as the Chairman of the Occasion, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was represented by Alhaji Ahmed Garba Gombe.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Executive Chairman of NUCFCC, Comrade Justin Maduagwu, disclosed the preparedness of the Chamber to project the cultural values of Nigeria: “We are already exporting Nigerian culture, traditions and artefacts abroad. For the international cultural festival coming up in Ukraine in August this year, the Chamber is already working with Africa House Europe to set up a Nigerian village at the venue of the Expo. The Village will exhibit Nigerian, foods, drinks and cultural dances.”

Other dignitaries that graced the occasion include the Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria, Amb. Valerii Vasliev, the Senator Representing the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Philip Aduda, the Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, Architect Umar Aliyu, and the Director-General of the Chamber, Mr. Albert Odulate.

Nwagbo Nnenyelike
Corporate Affairs