The DG noted that the black history month celebration began in the United States as Negro History Week and instituted by the renowned African-American historian, Dr Carter Woodson
She said the sole aim was to protest the exclusion of the contributions of African-Americans from history textbooks in the United States
According to her, since it began nearly a century ago, the celebration of the black history month had grown and gained global acceptance.
Earlier, Prof Gbenga Fasiku, Director, Institute of Cultural Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, described music rendered by David Adeleke, “Davido” and majority of Nigerian artistes as distinctive.
Also Speaking, Prof Adetayo Ogunlewe, Professor of literature and cultural studies, Lagos State University, explained that Africans’ contributions toward world civilisation were mostly from literature, with minimal from history.
He said Africans must work on liberating themselves from mental colonisation which was responsible in perceiving African culture as inferior.
“Please be proud of your colour, regardless of what you are called. In Africa, we take pride in honour, integrity and achievements.
“We all must continue to work hard to ensure we remain people of integrity, great honour and loaded with achievements,” he said.
The event witnessed a series of beautiful cultural performances by different cultural troupes and drama, as well as poetry presentations.
Students present for the programme were all made to speak on what the black history month means to them, reawakening their consciousness to the beauty of being an African.
