By Chiamaka Agusi and Hawwah Abdurofiu
Stakeholders in the culture, tourism and creative sectors have called for greater investment in the industries to create jobs for young people and promote Africa’s cultural heritage.
They made the call at the “165 Days Across Africa” Tourism, Education and Creative Economy Symposium and Award held at the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Lagos Creative Hub, Iganmu, Lagos, on Wednesday.
The event, organised to celebrate Valerie of Africa’s 165-day journey across the continent and her Mount Kilimanjaro climbing experience, brought together cultural leaders, creatives and advocates.
The programme also commemorated the International Day of the Girl Child, World Tourism Day, 50 years of the National Theatre, Nigeria, 50 years of FESTAC ’77 and 50 years of Eko Hotel and Suites.
The programme opened with a welcome address by Mr Eze Nnobi, Deputy Director, NCAC.
Delivering the keynote address, titled, “The Sound, The Style, The Soul: Why Africa’s Culture Is Our Ultimate Superpower,” Chairman of FESTA Africa, Yinka Adebiyi, an Engineer, highlighted the growing global influence of Nigerian music, fashion and storytelling.
“If you are looking for the absolute center of global energy, creativity, and pure unfiltered vibe right now… you come to Lagos,” Adebiyi said.
He said the growing international acceptance of Nigerian music, fashion and storytelling showed the potential of the creative sector to create economic opportunities for young people.
Adebiyi urged young Nigerians to use digital platforms to promote African culture, tourism destinations, food, fashion and creative works.
He also called for improved infrastructure, security, roads and travel facilities to make tourism more accessible and attractive.
The chairman advised creatives to protect their intellectual property and ensure they benefited financially from the use or reproduction of their works.
Also speaking, Bone Squad, a music producer, artiste and actor, described the “165 Days Across Africa” project as a travel, tourism, reality television and documentary initiative aimed at showcasing Africa to the world.
He said the project had taken Valerie of Africa to countries including Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Egypt.
Bone Squad encouraged Africans, particularly Nigerians, to explore the continent and promote its historical and cultural attractions.
NAN reports that the event also featured an exhibition and awards recognising individuals for their contributions to culture, history, public speaking and the empowerment of the girl-child.
Among those recognised was Emmanuel Eide, a public speaking and communication skills coach and founder of the School of Public Speaking.
The late Prof. Jacob Festus Ademi Ajayi, renowned historian and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, was also honoured posthumously for his contribution to African history.
Valerie of Africa, whose journey across the continent was celebrated at the event, thanked her sponsors for their support.
The programme ended with a call for greater unity and pride in Africa with the message, “My Africa, Your Africa, Our Africa.”(NAN)www.nannews.ng
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
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