UNIZIK Hosts Biennial Frontier Lecture, Experts Highlight Cultural Diplomacy as Key to National Development
UNIZIK's third biennial lecture focused on the importance of cultural diplomacy in promoting national development and fostering international relationships, with insights from prominent speakers and academics.
Mary Nwaeze 
In a significant event held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, experts and leaders gathered for the third edition of the Emeritus Professor Pita Ejiofor biennial frontier lecture. The theme for this edition, "Cultural Diplomacy: Paving the way for national development," highlighted the crucial role of cultural diplomacy in promoting mutual understanding, fostering national cohesion, and driving development.
Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba, Nigeria's plenipotentiary ambassador to the Republic of Burundi, outlined the concept of diplomacy as the art and science of building effective relationships. He noted that Nigeria's 109 diplomatic missions worldwide can be leveraged to promote cultural diplomacy, enhance economic interests, build a positive international image, and address global issues.
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The Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, Prof. Charles Esimone, declared the event open, emphasizing that the biennial lecture, established in 2016, honors the legacy of Emeritus Professor Ejiofor, a key figure in the university's history. Prof. Esimone praised the ongoing commitment to the lecture series, highlighting the leadership of the Faculty of Management Sciences for sustaining this important initiative.
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In her keynote address, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Director General of the South-East Governors Forum, spoke on the importance of regional diplomacy in Nigeria's South-East region. She underlined that cultural exchanges foster peace and stability, build bridges of friendship, and help tackle challenges such as security concerns, infrastructure deficits, unemployment, and inequality.
The event also included a book review of "Visionary of Change," a compilation of selected works by Professor Ejiofor, by Prof. Ezimma Nnabuife. Special guests and members of the academic community joined for a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor and various award presentations.
The biennial lecture serves as a beacon of cultural diplomacy, reinforcing the value of tradition, heritage, and understanding in building a better future for Nigeria. As the country seeks to strengthen its national development through cultural means, the insights shared during the lecture serve as a guiding light for the road ahead.
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