Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, says the ministry will repackage the Abuja carnival to compete viably with world class carnivals.
The minister stated this on Thursday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ meeting of the 2016 Abuja Carnival.
He said the Abuja Carnival would be made to compete with that of Notting Hill in the UK, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil and others that contribute immensely to their countries’ Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The 2016 Abuja carnival with the theme “Creative Industry: A Pivot to Economic Growth’’ is scheduled to hold from November 19 to 22.
The minister, who was represented by Mr George Ufott, a Director in the ministry, told stakeholders that the country was endowed with diverse cultural heritage and a thriving creative industry which were key contributors to economic growth.
He said that the carnival, established in 2005, “is a unique platform for soft power diplomacy geared toward positive promotion of the nation’s unique and vibrant cultural endowment.”
The minister added that the carnival would be used continually to preserve, present and promote the rich intangible national cultural heritage.
He urged participants to strategise on positive ways and means of developing the carnival and others, in line with global best practices.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Ayotunde Adesugba, underscored the urgent need to develop the carnival to be self sustaining.
Adesugba, who was represented by Mrs Grace Gekpe, a Director in the ministry, said “the Abuja carnival generates business opportunities for many.”
She urged participants to contribute to the success of the 2016 edition of the carnival.
