Olusegun Runsewe, President of the World Crafts Council Africa Region, has urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to respect the laws and cultural values of their host countries following a reported incident in the Netherlands.
Olusegun Runsewe, President of the World Crafts Council (WCC) Africa Region, has urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to respect the laws and cultural values of their host countries.
Runsewe made the appeal in Abuja on Saturday following reports that Dutch authorities dispersed Nigerians over an alleged breach of local regulations during an open-air street party.
He described the incident as regrettable and avoidable, noting that it violated Dutch laws and cultural norms and embarrassed Nigeria internationally.
“Every society has conventions, norms and laws that guide social behaviour. As guests in another man’s land, we must respect those norms,” he said.
The former Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) described the incident as a case of cultural misapplication.
He explained that communal celebrations are deeply rooted in Nigerian societies, particularly in the South-West, where people gather to mark achievements and significant milestones. However, social expectations and public conduct differ considerably between Nigeria and Western countries.
“Unlike in Nigeria, most Western nations embrace an individualistic way of life. They value privacy, orderliness and the serenity of their environment.
“Loud, open-air social gatherings on the streets without approval infringe on those values,” Runsewe said.
He advised Nigerians abroad to understand their host countries’ cultural values and legal frameworks in order to preserve their dignity, earn respect and promote peaceful coexistence.
“The Netherlands incident was a hangover of Nigerian culture in a foreign land, which must not be repeated by Nigerians anywhere in the world,” he warned.
Runsewe noted that Nigerians are generally known for their hard work, respectfulness, peaceful disposition and law-abiding conduct. He stressed that the actions of a few overzealous citizens should not be used to judge or stigmatise the entire country.
He appealed to the Dutch government and people, particularly residents of the affected area, to show understanding and magnanimity over the incident.
Runsewe also urged Nigerian Diaspora associations, cultural groups and community organisations across Europe, America and other regions to strengthen cultural orientation and sensitisation programmes.
Such initiatives, he said, should educate Nigerians abroad on civic responsibility, cultural tolerance and compliance with local laws.
“When we travel, we are ambassadors of Nigeria. We must export the best of our culture, which is respect, warmth and hospitality, and also respect the culture of others.
“That is the foundation for global understanding, peaceful coexistence and international diplomacy,” he added.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
