 May 21 has been set aside by UNESCO as World's Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. This highlights not only the richness of the world's cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development. Correspondent Ngozi Gai HSC takes a look at a multicultural Nigeria in the midst of persistent insecurity. In December 2002, the United Nations General Assembly in each resolution declared May 21 to be World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. The day is important to help communities understand the value of cultural diversity and learn how to live together in peace and harmony, irrespective of the cultural differences. Nigeria, a multicultural society with over 521 languages and over 1,150 dialects and ethnic groups, has been identified by some foreigners as the culturally complicated country to live. I would say yes and no. Yes to the fact that we have some extremists. You know, some persons may see from a Western dressing as a discredit to the culture. Like if you go to the North, if you are not wearing your hijab or your jalapea, you are seen as something like a lady. You can be on pants and walk freely. We appreciate each other's culture, in my opinion. But unfortunately, we've not been able to harness those cultures to bring everyone together. If people can actually embrace one another and look at it from the expert that we are actually one at the end, we'll actually move this country, move it to the right direction. I think as a people, Nigeria as a people, we should be more tolerant amongst ourselves, our culture, our values. And most importantly, we should also try to tolerate ourselves when it comes to religion. With the spate of insecurity and cause for self-determination, which is loud on the south-eastern path of Nigeria, cultural and ethnic diversity has often been described as a new threat. However, some beg to differ. Unfortunately, there has been a gap and that gap, unfortunately, government has not been able to handle it, even though they see it. Now, when you have unemployment, for instance, people go to school, you know, meet people to go to school, they finish school, and then there's nothing for them to do. That's a serious gap. According to the United Nations, deepening the understanding of the values of cultural diversity we can achieve the goals of promoting human rights and fundamental freedom in a nation like Nigeria where ethnic and religious differences seem to threaten the bond formed since 1960 when she got her independence. Mga Zika, OHHZ. Plus TV News. News updates.