symposia, exhibitions, performances and demonstrations of arts and crafts.
He deduced that it is obvious that CBAAC was established to fulfill an inestimable mission of raising the profile of African culture and civilisation. Hitherto, a lot had been done in the direction of organizing lectures and symposia, quite rightly and appropriately” said Babawale, insisting that the task of positioning CBAAC as the foremost agency for retrieval and restoration of the cultural heritage of Black and African peoples, would require challenging the existing methodology of conveying our message. This implies the adoption of new strategies and a preparedness to refocus while retaining the ultimate goal and vision of CBAAC,"
The new direction, he stressed, would involve exploring alternative sources of funding CBAAC activities through linkages with funding agencies Such as Macarthur Foundation, Food Foundation, Guggenheim Foundation, OSIWA as well as seeking the support and assistance of a new group of sponsor from the private sector (Banking, Commerce, oil and gas sector. Prof Babawale revealed that the centre had opened channel of discussion with these funding agencies while expressing the optimism that CBAAC would benefit extensively from the network of relationship and contacts.
Part of the new strategies, he continued, is to give greater coverage/publicity to the centre's activities. 'This, according to him, would ensure implanting CBAAC in the mind of the public. “This we have been doing through constant and highly effective interactions with the media and institutions," he noted. Prof. Babawale disclosed that a letter introducing CBAAC was recently dispatched to all Universities and Research Institutes as part of effort to re-brand the centre.
Other measures include
* Instituting an award system where Black and African cultural "Icons" would be publicly celebrated and given awards of recognition on a periodic basis. Icons like Nigeria 's Professor Wole Soyinka, Hubert Ogunde, Mariam Makeba, the Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize Winner and Prof. Wangari Maathai, among others would hopefully be beneficiaries.
* Initiating programmes that would lift culture beyond the realm of antiquity. "We intend to examine the cultural dimensions of the battle against HIV & AIDS and the need to preserve indigenous languages which are currently threatened with extinction. Language ought to be seen within the context of identity and as a means of developing people's cognitive abilities, intellectual capacities ideas and feelings," explained Babawale, adding that "it is difficult if not impossible to have technological breakthrough without developing indigenous Languages. In this respect, we intend to encourage schools debates and competition."
* Linkage with local artistes and the popular media to forge a Private-public partnership in the realm of culture and Use their expertise to develop our children's outreach programmes. "Such artistes can help develop drama sketches to promote indigenous languages and indigenous knowledge. This will enable the centre to Popularize indigenous Knowledge in all facets of the cultural domain i.e. science, medicine, Philosophy, technology among others.
* Encouragement of research and studies on issues of Black and African significance as currently involved with other pan African organizational.
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* Intensification of children's outreach programmes and the broadening of the scope of the Annual Children Cultural Festival to accommodate enlightenment programmes on reorientation on democratic values, attitudes and African moral values.
But the realisation of the new mission, Prof. Babawale noted, would depend on aggressive capacity development drive through training and re-training of staff. He observed that the retreat, aimed at refreshing and enhancing staff capacity, was part of the manpower development initiatives.
What perhaps gladdened the hearts of participants was Babawale's pledge of corresponding better condition of service. Just as he emphasised the need for conscious effort to re-orientate staff to imbibe the spirit and culture of modem business – upwardly mobile, purpose driven, team player and versatile professionals - as distinct horn the culture of indolence prevalent in the civil service.
Beside good knowledge of information and communication technology, he admonished that staff most be well grounded in the art and techniques of modem business through commitment and dedication.
He also promised acquisition of modern business equipment housed in a befitting complex and participants were delighted to the news that efforts to secure office accommodation for CBAAC in Abuja is receiving favourable attention from the appropriate quarters. |
