Culture is a totality of the beliefs, norms and ways of a given people. It is the generally accepted norms and value system of the people. Culture is a unifying force as every member of the society subscribes to it. It is more or less binding as violators of some aspects of the culture are or can be sanctioned.

Culture is dynamic, it undergoes some transformation. It obeys the dictates of time and circumstances.

Culture can be classified into material and non-material, tangible and intangible. It can be expressed in different ways depending on adherence. There are some cultural practices that are tied to certain seasons. Culture varies from one geographical location to another. But there are some ethnic groups that share some cultural practices with others.

Nigerians are appreciated globally for being very hospitable. They exhibit high level of community as against the individuality often exhibited by the whites. We are very caring and are known for always being our brother’s keeper. Though over-exposure to western culture has adversely affected some aspects of our culture, the spirit of communal living is still being very well felt in many of our local towns and villages. The coming of a child in a particular home or family is celebrated by every member of both the immediate and extended family. He/she is welcomed by the entire community. The care for the child is a joint effort of every member of the community. When he/she misbehaves, they are corrected by any elder nearby. The inculcation of the norms and values of the society is not left for the immediate parents of the child. For example, the culture of respect for elders and greeting is still very much cherished in every part of Nigeria. When a child passes an elder without greeting, such an elder quickly corrects such a child so that he/she will not be an embarrassment to the community.

Greeting is a vital aspect of our culture; every family and sometimes ethnic group or lineage has some form of greetings peculiar to them. Wherever you go and you hear your family greeting being expressed, you are attracted and will want to relate with such a person. You will want to identify with such a person. This results in love, unity and cooperation. Greeting can go along way in linking people together, thereby fostering national unity. Even mere hearing of somebody speaking your language can attract you to such a person.

Another aspect of our culture that can foster national unity and integration is our dress code. Some countries have a national dress code that unites every section of the country with others. For example, the Indians have a national dress code that whenever and wherever you see an Indian (man or woman), you need no prophet to prophesy for you to be able to identify him/her.

Here in Nigeria, some major ethnic groups like the Igbo, Yoruba and the Hausa all have a dressing code. The Nupe, Urhobo, Itsekiri, Idoma all have some forms of dressing peculiar to them. And anywhere they find themselves, there is that bond of love and feeling of oneness that runs in them that will attract them to one another.

Apart from the aforementioned, there are some festivals (which are also aspects of our culture) that foster national integration. For instance, the Igue Festival of Benin Kingdom brings together many Benins from across the globe. Many usually look forward to this unique festival with high sense of nostalgia. They usually plan and prepare for it. To very many Benin people, it is a period of getting together to know one another and to form or chart a common course to help strengthen the love and unity of the Benin nation. During this period, issues bordering on different aspects of the lives of the people are discussed. Solutions are proffered to some teething problems that are or will be inimical to the growth and well-being of the Benin Nation.

In the South West, the Osun Oshogbo Festival is another unique event that unites many Yoruba together both those at home and in the diaspora.

Also worthy of note is the Argungun Festival in Kebbi State, Northern Nigeria. It is a unifying force for those people.

In conclusion, therefore, many aspects of our culture that are capable of fostering national unity and integration should be encouraged and strengthened and made more attractive to especially our youths as they are the future leaders of a united and vibrant Nigeria.