PROMOTING NIGERIAN DRESS CULTURE FOR NATIONAL IDENTITY

BY
HON. EBI CAMPBELL

The culture of dressing is as old as man. One of the features which differentiate man from other form of animals is the predisposition to cover his nakedness. History tells us that IN ANCIENT TIMES early man WORE cloths made FROM leaves, rafters, AND palm fronds. Through the instrumentality of civilization, man has invented diverse forms of fashion which has made him more glamorous, and good looking. THUS FROM time immemorial, man has always adorned himself with relevant attires as occasion demands. A traditional ruler is easily spotted simply because of his regalia; a student is identified with his uniform while a clergy IS IDENTIFIED with his cassock.
In many organizations, much emphasis is placed on proper dress code and any defaulter is sanctioned. To rekindle the interest and pride in indigenous dress pattern among Nigerians, THE National institute for Cultural Orientation NICO decided to focus its conference on the Nigerian dress culture: the role of organizations, THE programme IS NO DOUBT A TIMELY INTERVENTION AGAINST THE MENACE OF INDECENT DRESSING CURRENTLY BEDEVILING OUR SOCIETY. OVER TIME, MANY NIGERIANS HAVE FROWNED AT THE prevailing trend of inappropriate dress PATTERNS that have permeated various age grades in our society. SOME HAVE DESCRIBED IT AS a national embarrassment. A situation where youths clad in dresses that reveal SENSITIVE PARTS OF THEIR BODIES is indeed unfortunate.


Although there is no standard definition of what constitutes indecent dressing, many IN THIS CLIME are of the view that it occurs when some areas generally supposed to be concealed are exposed. The trend is a common feature among young folks today. Factors for this fashion craze include peer group influence, the affordability of some of such unwholesome attires and more importantly the influence of the Western media. Some are of the opinion that indecent dressing contributes in a way to the increasing cases of rape and other forms of amorous lifestyle amongst youths. This is however not an excuse for the heinous crime of rape and other forms of sexual violation. BE THAT AS IT MAY, such a trend is not in tandem with our AGE LONG CULTURAL ORIENTATION which regards INDECENT appearances as a sign of moral deficiency.
This decision by the Institute under the leadership of Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma to address these cultural anomalies must therefore be commended. As part of its mandate of harnessing culture for national development, THE BODY IS ALSO SADDLED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF encouraging unity among the different ethnic groups through integrated dress culture and the promotion of patriotism among Nigerians. This IS expected to serve as a veritable source of national identity, social cohesion and integration. In addition to being a tool for rebranding the nation it will put Nigeria at par with other African countries like South Africa, Ghana, Guinea and Kenya that have attained peculiar dress styles as national identity. NO DOUBT, the dangers posed by indecent dressing requires concerted efforts by all stakeholders. We must support NICO in this very important task.

Institutions and organizations should fashion out and adhere strictly to acceptable dress code just like some higher institutions are doing. As THE AGENCY collaborates with family institutions AND parents on the need to censor the dress code of their wards, the national assembly should as a matter of urgency pass a bill to set aside some days of the week for public servants and Nigerians generally to dress in indigenous attires. Government also needs to help the textile industries from their current quagmire by granting them tax holidays and financial assistance. Traditional weavers of indigenous clothes should be encouraged and assisted to produce local fabrics at affordable prices. Fashion designers and entertainment outfits should also join this campaign.


Source: recorded live from FRCN daily commentary