Faculty
Year of Publication
Keyword
Publication Type
Abstract
This study examines the role of festivals in fostering cross-cultural
understanding, cooperation, and development, with particular focus on the Igue
Festival in Edo State, Nigeria. Festivals are important cultural institutions that
preserve indigenous heritage, promote social interaction, and strengthen
communal identity. The study investigates how the Igue Festival serves as a
platform for cultural exchange, peaceful coexistence, tourism promotion, and
socio-economic development among the people of Edo State and visitors from
diverse cultural backgrounds. The objectives of the study are to examine the
cultural significance of the Igue Festival, assess its contributions to inter-cultural
relations and cooperation, and evaluate its role in promoting social and
economic development within the community. The study adopted a historical
approach of data collection, using primary which was gathered through oral
interviews and personal observations, while secondary data were obtained from
books, journals, newspapers, and internet materials relevant to the study.
Findings revealed that the Igue Festival plays a significant role in promoting
unity, mutual respect, and cultural appreciation among different ethnic groups.
The festival also contributes to tourism development, economic activities, and
the preservation of Benin cultural heritage. Furthermore, it encourages social
cohesion and strengthens relationships between local communities and visitors.
However, challenges such as inadequate funding, modernization, declining youth
participation, and poor government support were identified as factors limiting
the full potential of the festival. The study concludes that the Igue Festival
remains an important cultural heritage that promotes cross-cultural
understanding, cooperation, and development in Edo State. It recommends
increased government support, effective cultural preservation policies, improved
tourism infrastructure, and active youth involvement to sustain the relevance and
developmental contributions of the festival in contemporary society
understanding, cooperation, and development, with particular focus on the Igue
Festival in Edo State, Nigeria. Festivals are important cultural institutions that
preserve indigenous heritage, promote social interaction, and strengthen
communal identity. The study investigates how the Igue Festival serves as a
platform for cultural exchange, peaceful coexistence, tourism promotion, and
socio-economic development among the people of Edo State and visitors from
diverse cultural backgrounds. The objectives of the study are to examine the
cultural significance of the Igue Festival, assess its contributions to inter-cultural
relations and cooperation, and evaluate its role in promoting social and
economic development within the community. The study adopted a historical
approach of data collection, using primary which was gathered through oral
interviews and personal observations, while secondary data were obtained from
books, journals, newspapers, and internet materials relevant to the study.
Findings revealed that the Igue Festival plays a significant role in promoting
unity, mutual respect, and cultural appreciation among different ethnic groups.
The festival also contributes to tourism development, economic activities, and
the preservation of Benin cultural heritage. Furthermore, it encourages social
cohesion and strengthens relationships between local communities and visitors.
However, challenges such as inadequate funding, modernization, declining youth
participation, and poor government support were identified as factors limiting
the full potential of the festival. The study concludes that the Igue Festival
remains an important cultural heritage that promotes cross-cultural
understanding, cooperation, and development in Edo State. It recommends
increased government support, effective cultural preservation policies, improved
tourism infrastructure, and active youth involvement to sustain the relevance and
developmental contributions of the festival in contemporary society
Supervisor(s)
co-supervisor