The African Family Life Delegate Conference (AFLDC)Traversing Cultures: Harnessing African Family Life, Solutions for Global Impact

By Chineye Toulassi

Introduction

In a world facing unprecedented challenges, the Institute of Family Engineering and Development (IFED) hosted their annual program to commemorate the United Nations International Day of the Family. The African Family Life Delegate Conference (AFLDC) themed “Traversing Cultures: Harnessing African Family Life, Solutions for Global Impact” aimed to explore and celebrate African cultural values and their global significance.

Opening Address

The event commenced with a vibrant Wazobia dance by the Ecraft Dance Group, setting an energetic tone. Mr. Praise Fowowe and Mrs. Chidinma Nwobi, founder and Director of Studies at IFED, welcomed the attendees with an inspiring opening address.

Keynote Speaker: Professor Ngozi Osarenren on Cultural Heritage and Identity

Professor Ngozi Osarenren, a distinguished professor of counseling at the University of Lagos and chairperson of the University of Lagos International, delivered the keynote speech. She highlighted the importance of instilling African cultural values in children through community engagement, family ceremonies, oral traditions, and storytelling. Professor Osarenren emphasized that family is the foundation of identity, and culture shapes that identity and influences perception. She concluded with three key points:

• Parents should engage in conversations and collaborations to foster understanding.

• Embrace and understand cultural diversity and family dynamics.

• Celebrate and accept Africa’s rich heritage.

Mr. Iyinoluwa E. Aboyeji: Using Technology to Enhance Family Life and Values

Mr. Iyinoluwa E. Aboyeji addressed the role of technology in exporting family life and values. He outlined three major ways technology can enhance family values:

• Meal Time: Use mealtime to bond, discuss issues, share ideas, and enjoy togetherness.

• Early Education: Educate children early about the family’s purpose and values.

• Communication: Maintain constant communication through platforms like Zoom or WhatsApp, regardless of distance.

Mr. Aboyeji emphasized that technology can help celebrate family bonds and contribute to national development by maximizing cultural diversity.

Panel Session: Rituals, Oral Traditions, and Cultural Identity

The panel, moderated by Mrs. Chidinma Nwobi, included Mrs. Godfrey Ogbechie (Group Executive Director, Rainoil Limited), Mr. Gbenga Totoyi (Group Head, Human Resources, Consolidated Hallmark Holdings PLC), and Mr. Ayo Makinde (Communicator and Broadcaster). They discussed how rituals and oral traditions foster resilience, strengthen familial bonds, and promote cultural identity within African communities.

Mr. Ayo Makinde stressed the importance of storytelling in parenting, highlighting its historical significance. He advocated for raising children without gender biases and noted the challenge of parents needing to reparent themselves. Mr. Gbenga Totoyi discussed mental wellness in the workplace and the four elements of culture: ethnicity, religion, age, and worldview, with an emphasis on the importance of an open-minded worldview. Mrs. Godfrey Ogbechie underscored communal responsibilities in child-rearing and the need to stop gender segregation in parenting.

Fire-Side Chat: Indian Culture and Family Cohesion

Mr. Praise Fowowe and Mr. Venket Subrahmanyam engaged in a fire-side chat about the cohesion of Indian families despite British colonization. Mr. Subrahmanyam shared that Indians believe the world is a single family, and true family quality is achieved through interdependence. He highlighted the importance of preserving language as a means of preserving culture and urged parents to teach their children their native languages.

Final Panel Session: Envisioning the Future of Family Life

The final panel, featuring Mr. Juwon Oduntayo, Mr. Miracle, Mrs. Ifechukwu Adigwe, and Mrs. Modupe Ehitan, facilitated a question-and-answer session. They encouraged attendees to envision the home they desire and begin the process of restructuring for a harmonious family life.

Conclusion: Reclaiming Our African Heritage

The AFLDC served as a platform to reclaim, revitalize, and celebrate African culture and heritage. The conference underscored the collective effort to reinforce cultural heritage, leverage technology for family cohesion, and ensure that cultural values remain vibrant and impactful across generations.