Raheem Akingbolu
A writer and member of the Nigeria-Britain Association, Mr. Olabode Ogunlana, has urged stakeholders to take an historical look at the relationship between Britain and Nigeria to develop a new business relationship that would benefit both countries.
He spoke at one of the activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian British Association, themed: ‘What the British brought to Nigeria and their leave Behinds.’
While speaking on the relevance of storytelling to development, he revealed how Britain took cocoa and rubber from Nigeria and turned it to wealth. He also spoke glowingly on how Britain helped Nigeria to nurture an efficient civil service.
Speaking on how reference to history could help nations strengthen their bonds, Ogunlana, who is a folklorist, said story telling helps to document history, as well as preserve the culture of the people and the nation at large.
He maintained that stories about a country’s cultural heritage should be kept and transmitted to generations unborn so that they would be acquainted with their culture.
“Story does not only teach, instruct, amuse and entertain. It is a pity history has been removed from our curriculum. Bad leaders seem to think that by covering misdeeds, they are safe,” he stressed.
He continued: “It is important to write stories to call attention to what happened in the past, which is still affecting us today. We need to read and write stories; it is the thing that links the past, present and future. If we don’t know what happened in the past, it affects our future.”
The folklorist stressed that history would enable the people know what transpired between Nigeria and Britain and also correct the negative perception about the colonial rule.
In his remark, the President, Nigeria British Association, Shola Tinubu, said the association promotes friendship between Nigeria and Britain, as well as the exchange of cultures.
“Storytelling is an integral part of any cultures and an even peculiar one in Africa. It is the fine blend of history and the premonition of the future; all wrapped up in the aesthetics of words of vivid imagery,” he said.
He cited Peter L. Berger words, which says “human life is narratively rooted; human construct their lives and shape their world into homes in terms of these groundings and memories.”
For Tinubu, “stories are universal in that they can bridge cultural, linguistic and age-related divides globally; and can likewise be used as a method to teach ethics, values, cultural norms and differences. The very tool that we need in the world to remind us of why we are here on this earth, to connect us all, regardless of our differences and to inspire us to be better individuals, and of course to build friendship.”
He, however, urged the two countries to retain their bond and strengthen relationships between their people.
