CULTURAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION STRATEGIES AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: A CONCEPTUAL PERSPECTIVE FROM OZUAHA COMMUNITY, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Cultural heritage, encompassing both tangible and intangible elements, plays a vital role in shaping community identity, fostering social cohesion, and driving social development. However, in many rural Nigerian communities, modernization and inadequate preservation strategies threaten the continuity of traditional cultural practices. This study examines the intersection between cultural heritage preservation strategies and social development within the Ozuaha Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Drawing on Social Identity Theory (SIT), the research explores how three key cultural practices—Ogba Festival Celebration, Traditional Marriage Ceremony, and Traditional Wrestling Competition—contribute to social cohesion and solidarity. The study highlights that these cultural practices reinforce collective identity, strengthen social bonds, and promote intergenerational transmission of values, ultimately enhancing social cohesion. Additionally, the findings provide insights into the role of cultural heritage in fostering community resilience, economic well-being, and cultural sustainability. The research contributes to the discourse on cultural heritage preservation in Nigeria, offering policy recommendations for integrating heritage preservation into broader social development strategies. By emphasizing the social dimension of cultural heritage, this study underscores its potential as a tool for strengthening community ties and ensuring the sustainability of indigenous traditions.