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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), National Institute for Cultural Orientation, (NICO), Ado Yahuza, has decried the poor time management in the Nigerian society.
He said the habit which has often been treated lightly has continuously deprived the society of its deserved development.
The Executive Secretary expressed this concerns at the opening of a two-day Annual Roundtable on Cultural Orientation, (ARTCO), organised by NICO from 28 to 29 November, 2023, at the Faculty of Social Science hall, Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi.
The theme of the event is “The African Time Syndrome: Implication for National Development.”
Yahuza said the topic was apt considering the culture of poor time management which he noted has affected both individuals and the nation in various adverse ways.
He said “It has constantly led to missed opportunities, delayed progress, strained interpersonal relationships, hindered productivity which impedes on societal development.
He said the repercussions of the “indiscipline” extends beyond individual habits to affect the collective wellbeing and efficiency of the society and so requires all hands on deck to curb the trend.
The Executive Director described appreciated the Minister for Arts, Culture and Creative Economist, Barr. Hannatu Musawa, Benue state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, for their unflinching support and urged participants contribute to the discussions with a clear vision for cultural orientation and national progress.
Also speaking, the Director of National Orientation Agency, (NOA) in Benue State, Audu Idoko, who noted that Nigerians do not respect ethics in the country stated that beyond the dialogue, NOA will collaborate with NICO to eradicate the concept among Nigerians.
He said whoever invented the concept of African time has done more harm to Nigerians as they are treated differently in other parts of the world.
“Whoever invented the concept of African time is an enemy of Africans, especially Nigerians. The concept justify lateness. It’s a menace and the implications is that all development are anchored on time frame, so those who don’t respect time do not respect development.
“There is so much danger in the concept. And that’s why globally, Nigerians are treated differently because we treat time differently. However NOA will collaborate with NICO to change the concept for the betterment of everybody,” he added.
In a goodwill messages, the Ter Makurdi, HRH Vincent Aule, said the conference theme could not have come at a better time considering the importance of culture in the development of of any society.
Chief Aule who noted that cultural orientation was vital for fostering mutual understanding, respect and collaboration among individuals commended NICO for organising the event saying the shared insights was capable of fostering and enhancing cultural richness, mutual understanding and enlightenment.
