The Dean of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church (AVMCC), The Venerable Emmanuel Ariire Kolawole, has warned against the erosion of cultural values and identity in Nigeria while decrying young people’s lack of interest in history.
He gave the warning while addressing the congregation at the cathedral’s 2026 National Harvest on Sunday, September 27.
The National Harvest is a time of thanksgiving and appreciation to God, during which parishioners bring gifts and offerings to the church while dressed in traditional attire.
About harvest
Providing biblical context for the event, Ven. Kolawole stated that everything done in the Anglican Church is rooted in Scripture. He added, however, that “just because a church practice is not explicitly written in the Bible does not mean it is unbiblical.” He cited scriptures about the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Harvest, and the offering of first fruits.
According to him, the practice of giving first fruits is both biblical and cultural. He underscored the importance of names, cultural identity, and history, stating that no nation can prosper if it fails to take these elements seriously.
”Our names define our identity and reflect our faith. That is why, throughout Scripture, whenever God wanted to transform a person’s destiny, He changed their name,” he said.
Essence of history
He also emphasized the importance of historical awareness, warning that any nation lacking a sense of history will eventually collapse.
Citing Israel as an example, he said: “You may not like what Israel is doing, but you cannot deny that they have a deep sense of history. Israel acts as it does because its people remember where they came from. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated he would fight relentlessly for his people and their land.
The average Israeli is passionate about their culture and protective of their language. Wherever they are in the world, they remain connected and committed to their homeland.”
National harvest
He explained that the National Harvest serves as a occasion to celebrate history and culture. “Unfortunately, many of our children no longer speak their indigenous languages or know their history. There is no way they can be passionate about a legacy they do not understand,” he added.
Ven. Kolawole referenced the biblical account of Nehemiah, who grieved upon hearing about the fallen state of Jerusalem while in exile. Nehemiah sought permission from the king to return and rebuild his homeland. “If Nehemiah had lacked a sense of history, he would not have cared about what was happening to his homeland,” Kolawole noted.
He expressed concern over Nigeria’s declining cultural heritage, noting: “It is unfortunate that we speak English in family meetings, whereas nations like the Netherlands require you to learn Dutch before gaining admission into their schools. When you are ashamed of your roots, you cannot be passionate about your homeland. Many of us criticize Nigeria today, forgetting that human effort built the nations we now run to.”
Attendees
The event drew parishioners from diverse ethnic backgrounds across the country.
Among the people who came for thanksgiving was the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University Prof Ayodeji Badejo.
Ven Kolawole commended her for starting her tenure as VC on a thanksgiving note. He counselled her to be wary of sycophants and be focused on what will glorify God and humanity in the university.
“Be a good ambassador of Christ and administer the university with the fear of God. Don’t let anybody come between you and your God” he said.
The governor of Osun State was the Chief Guest of Honour and Chief Flag bearer at the occasion. He was represented at the event by his special adviser for intergovernmental relations, Hon Olubi Adejobi.
