Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Barr. Nyesom Wike has vowed to turn the arts, culture and tourism potentials of Abuja around towards the development of the nation’s capital.
Wike, who revealed this, Wednesday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the ‘2024 Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture (ASOFEST), said the festival will be an annual event which will give both indigenous and other ethnic groups residing in FCT the opportunity to showcase their cultures, as well as promote unity and peaceful coexistence.
Represented by the Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat (SDS), Ibrahim Aminu, Wike said the present administration would give the deserved attention to all the cultural heritage, especially those that will contribute meaningfully to economic growth, while also adding values to people’s lives.
He disclosed that his administration would support programmes and initiatives that will help to promote Nigeria’s positive cultural heritage to the global markets.
“This festival creates a viable platform for skill acquisition and transfer as well an opportunity for the youths and women to be gainfully employed.
“ Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given me specific instructions to develop, grow and nurture the Arts and Culture cum Tourism hubs in the FCT and exactly that we are going to do.
“My Administration will continue to support initiatives and programs in these regards in line with the clear directives of Mr. President; And for the remaining part of the year, a lot of cultural festivities will be on display in the Federal Capital Territory that will enable residents, visitors and those on transit to regale in the best of cultural displays and entertainment in the FCT.
“ Let me assure you that in a week or two, the FCT will be hosting the 2024 Edition of the National Festival of Arts & Culture (NAFEST), another major cultural event in Nigeria that seeks to bring together stakeholders in the arts and culture industry to interact, showcase talents, and project the image of Nigeria’s heritage. The FCT Administration is already in collaboration with the National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC) to ensure an unforgettable hosting of the festival in the Nation’s Capital.
“ We want to use this medium to assure you that the FCT Administration through the department of Arts and Culture will continue to churn out programme and activities that will bring smile and succor to the amazing people of the FCT as a way to relieve off the stress associated with realistic and seemingly tough economic policies being undertaken by the current Administration meant to better the lives of the majority of the citizen on the long run,” he stressed.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary SDS, Olubumi Olowookere noted that
the festival provides an opportunity for Nigerians residing in FCT to see and appreciate other people’s cultural elements.
Olowookere added that the festival is not just a medium for cultural upliftments, but also a platform for values transmission and exposition.