Arts, culture veritable tools for inclusive economic growth – Dr Mahmoud 

The Minister of State in the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud has described arts, culture and traditions of FCT residents as veritable tools for inclusive economic growth. Mahmoud stated this in Abuja on Thursday, at the close of the 11th Edition of the Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture (ASOFEST).

The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of Social Development Secretariat, Mrs Olubumi Olowookere, noted that FCT was blessed with rich and unique culture, customs and traditions. She said that the 11th edition of the ASOFEST, with the theme, “Sustaining the Renewed Hope Agenda through Efficient Management of Cultural Resources”, seeks to build and promote culture as a creative economy.

She described arts and culture as “critical tools” in the quest to transform the nation’s economy to deliver sustained inclusive growth.

This, she said, would promote peace, prosperity and unity, thereby boosting food and national security. She reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to preserving and protecting the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous people and residents of the territory.

She said that through ASOFEST, the FCT Administration was not only preserving but also promoting and showcasing the FCT’s unique arts, culture and traditions to the world.

“Even the people who settled and made FCT their home, we equally appreciate the dynamism of their different cultures,” she added.

The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, had promised to develop the territory’s arts, culture and tourism potential. Wike said at the opening of the two-day event that the move would preserve, promote and showcase FCT’s cultural heritage to the world.

He said that President Bola Tinubu had given a matching order to the FCTA, to harness the tourism potential of the federal capital, intending to contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy.