OCCF raises alarm: Cultural erosion, insecurity threaten community stability
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Onile Custodians of Culture Foundation (OCCF) has warned of mounting threats to cultural identity, community safety and social stability, urging urgent and coordinated intervention by government and key stakeholders across the country.
In a statement issued by its chairman, Musiliu Babatunde Salami, also known as MS Baba, the foundation called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside federal and state authorities, traditional institutions and other critical actors, to prioritise the protection of indigenous cultures and strengthen security in vulnerable communities.
OCCF expressed concern over increasing pressure on local traditions, languages and heritage, noting that such trends pose a serious risk to identity, cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
It stressed that citizens must be guaranteed the right to preserve and practise their cultural heritage within the framework of national unity and mutual respect.
According to the group, governments at all levels have a duty to ensure that cultural expressions are neither suppressed nor distorted, insisting that no community should be marginalised in the practice of its traditions.
The foundation also drew attention to persistent security challenges, including violence, displacement and destruction of livelihoods, which it said underscore the need for a more proactive and responsive security architecture to safeguard lives and property.
It further advocated stronger collaboration between government agencies and credible religious scholars to curb the misuse of religious teachings, warning that faith-based narratives must not be exploited to incite division or justify unlawful acts.
OCCF emphasised the role of traditional rulers and community leaders in maintaining vigilance, cautioning that criminal elements often exploit religious or ideological fronts to infiltrate communities and gain trust.
To address the growing concerns, the foundation recommended thorough investigation of reported cases of violence and displacement, alongside the development of policies that protect indigenous cultures.
It also called for the strengthening of responsible religious education through recognised institutions.
Other measures proposed include promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue, engaging traditional authorities in grassroots security initiatives, and enhancing protection mechanisms for at-risk communities.
While clarifying that its position is not intended to foster division, OCCF maintained that unity can only thrive where justice, fairness and respect for human rights are upheld.
The foundation therefore urged political leaders and traditional institutions to act decisively, stressing that lasting peace and national cohesion depend on inclusive governance and the protection of the cultural dignity of all citizens.
