Issues and Themesin Traditional Festivals as Agents of Social Mobilization

Abstract

This study explains the role of traditional festivals as social mobilization agents, encouraging moral rebirth, social mobilization, development communication and change for the better in the attitude of the people towards contributing to the development of the society. The paper adopts Behavior theory and Attitude change theory as theoretical framework. The two theories emphasize the importance of value change, which can lead to the development of the community. The paper recognizes the challenges facing traditional festivals in meeting up with its roles of social mobilization. Egungun festival in South West Nigeria is prone to hijack by the political elites who use them to cause havoc in the society. Some masquerades have turned themselves into political thugs carrying dangerous weapons to victimize members of the society. The study therefore recommends total overhauling of the entire traditional African festivals so as to meet the desired goal it intends to achieve where miscreants and hoodlums will not play prominent roles during the festival. Involvement of corporate organizations in financing traditional festivals could bring some sanity and attraction into it, thereby turning it into cultural and tourist attraction.