Abuja will on May 21 host the Hizmet Movement and commence preparations for the 14th International Festival of Language and Culture aimed at promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba, Ibo, Efik and other Nigerian tribes.
The movement, led by Fethulah Gulen, has been involved not only in promoting language and culture but the establishment and development of colleges, hospitals, charities and other public institutions across the globe.
It started the International Festival of Language and Culture in 2003 in Turkey with participating students from 17 countries, but today over 37 countries are participating in the festival including Nigeria.
Other countries that hosted the festival include Australia, India, the United States. The theme of the 14th edition slated for Nigeria is; “Colours of the World”, to again celebrate diversity, tolerance and respect.
Indeed, if analyzed from a political science perspective, it can be said that prestigious events like the International Language and Culture Festival play key roles in diplomatic relations with foreign countries and they can be evaluated as an instrument of “soft power” — which is significant in contemporary world politics. In addition, such events undermine the separatist versions of nationalist ideologies and pave the way for the weakening of “negative nationalism.”
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