By Joseph Erunke, Abuja
The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind the maiden Afikpo International Carnival, announcing plans to integrate the festival into Nigeria’s growing “Dirty December” tourism calendar as part of efforts to leverage culture for economic growth, job creation and national development.
The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, stated this on Wednesday at the official flag-off and press briefing of the carnival in Abuja.
Represented by her Special Assistant on Content Development, Doyin Diya Odusanya, the minister said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage as a global tourism asset capable of attracting visitors and boosting the economy.
She described Nigeria’s cultural diversity as one of its greatest strengths, adding that the Afikpo International Carnival has the potential to become a globally recognised festival.
