IN iits determination to give Nigeria revered culture and traditional religion its pride of place in every facet of human endeavour, Patriots for the Promotion of Black Culture Foundation (PPBCF) has called on Nollywood filmmakers to desist from misrepresenting African traditional religion and culture in films.
The Founder of PPBCF, Prince Ayinla Oniru, who spoke newsmen in Lagos recently said most of the films produced in Nigeria to portray traditional religion as fetish which was a wrong message being conveyed to the populace.
The traditionalist said the religion was such value and respect humanity and also frowned at everything fetish in ritual killings as being portrayed in movies.
He said that this had done a lot of harm to traditional cultures and beliefs that many now attach evil to them.
According to him, the religion was perfectly practised before the advent of Christianity and Islam.
He however appealed to Nollywood filmmakers to stop misleading viewers on what the traditional religion truly is.
“It is not in line with traditional religion to cut people’s head for money ritual as being portrayed in films.
“Also, witchcraft is not synonymous with traditional religion.
“Engaging mystical powers to disappear from a terrorising scene, display of wickedness in killing people prematurely, altering people’s destiny and all are not part of traditional religion.
“We value human lives and hate wickedness.
“I appeal to our filmmakers to desist from portraying traditional religion as being fetish, wicked and inhuman religion,” he said.
Oniru also urged Nigerians to embrace traditional religion.
He noted that countries where traditional religion is being practised like Cuba, Brazil, Mexico and all, have enriched themselves through religious tourism.
He urged the Federal Government to also look in the direction of taking conscious efforts in encouraging the growth of religious tourism to boost nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He said government, at all levels, should promote traditional religion for equity and inclusion.
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