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Cultivation
of positive cultural values and practices: A blueprint for
African development
Opafola S. Olayinka
Philosophy Department, Faculty of Arts, Olabisi Onabanjo
University, P.M.B.2002, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.
E-mail:
yinka.opafola@googlemail.com or
opafolay2k@yahoo.com.
Tel: 08026942539; 08034731708; 08058871073.
Accepted
December 4, 2009 |
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This paper investigates the influence of culture on
development within the context of cultural values and
practices in African societies. It limits its searchlight to
the communal stage of African development. It operates on
the assumption that a dialectical relationship exists
between the past, the present and the future. It supposes
that a faithful consideration of the merits and demerits of
past events can serve as a compass for the navigation of
present and future events. The paper tries to provide
answers to the following questions, among others: Why is it
necessary to hold and promote positive cultural values and
practices? What are the causes and consequences of
frustrations, tensions and conflicts, among other
developmental problems prevalent in Africa? What are the
solutions to the problems? The paper recommends some
solutions. It then submits that the cultivation and
sustenance of positive cultural values and practices can
promote African positive development.
Key words: Culture, values, practices, Africa,
development, blueprint. |
