Wike: FCTA Gains Presidential Support to Develop Culture, Tourism

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to harness and develop the arts, culture, and tourism potential of Abuja, the nation’s capital.

READ ALSO: Abuja International Film Festival gets 1,254 film submissions

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, revealed this during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture (ASOFEST) in Abuja.

ASOFEST is an annual festival that provides both indigenous and other ethnic groups living in the FCT with the opportunity to showcase their cultures, while also promoting unity and peaceful coexistence.

Wike, represented by the Mandate Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat (SDS), Ibrahim Aminu, stated that the current administration will give due attention to cultural heritage, particularly those that can significantly contribute to economic growth and enhance the quality of life.

He revealed that his administration would support programs and initiatives aimed at promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage in global markets.

He said, “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.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat (SDS), Olubumi Olowookere, emphasized that the festival offers Nigerians living in the FCT an opportunity to experience and appreciate the cultural elements of others.

Olowookere added that the festival serves not only as a means for cultural enrichment but also as a platform for the transmission and showcasing of values.

Oluchi Okwuego