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The President of the World Crafts Council (WCC), Africa Region, and former Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to respect the cultural values, laws and constituted authorities of their host countries.
Runsewe made the call in Abuja following the recent dispersal of Nigerians by authorities in the Netherlands for allegedly holding an open-air street party in violation of local regulations.
He described the incident as regrettable and avoidable, saying it violated Dutch laws and cultural norms while embarrassing Nigeria before the international community.
“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 WCC president described the incident as a case of cultural misapplication, explaining that communal celebrations were deeply rooted in many Nigerian societies, particularly in the South-West.
He said such gatherings provided opportunities for community members to celebrate success, milestones and remarkable achievements together.
According to him, while open-air parties are widely celebrated in Nigeria, social expectations and public conduct differ considerably across Western societies.
“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,” he said.
Runsewe advised Nigerians living abroad to study and understand the cultural values and legal frameworks of their host countries 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.
He stressed that Nigerians were generally known for their hard work, respectfulness, peaceful disposition and law-abiding conduct.
Runsewe said the indiscretion of a few overzealous citizens celebrating without due consideration for local regulations should not be used to judge or stigmatise the entire country.
He appealed to the people and government of the Netherlands, particularly residents of the affected area, to exercise understanding and magnanimity over the incident.
The former NCAC director-general also urged leaders of Nigerian Diaspora associations, cultural groups and community organisations across Europe, America and other regions to strengthen cultural orientation and sensitisation programmes.
He said such initiatives 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,” Runsewe said.
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