By Rev. Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh
In a bid to preserve traditional values for future generations, the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia has issued a directive banning technology-assisted dances in all parishes and Catholic schools within the diocese. The move aims to inculcate practical skills among young people, such as generating proper beats and practicing correct dancing steps, rather than relying on pre-recorded music from electronic devices.
While noting that “Culture is dynamic … but in this dynamism, care must be taken so that important elements are not lost,” Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke argued that over reliance on technology is causing a gradual loss of the traditional way of learning dances, and killing the skill of playing the accompanying traditional instruments, as well as alienating the people from one another.
To revive and preserve traditional dances, the bishop directed all parish priests, school managers, deans, and the education secretary to embark on a conscious effort to supervise the revival and promotion of traditional dances in their respective deaneries and schools. The youth are to be encouraged to learn, perform, and promote cultural dances proper to their area. The directive encourages collaboration with traditional rulers, community elders, and umuada to identify and revive dances that may have gone extinct.
The directive aims to preserve cultural heritage and promote intergenerational transmission of traditional values, ensuring their survival for future generations.
