Culture - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Philip Daniel Yatai
Nov, Fri, 2024

Arts, culture veritable tools for inclusive economic growth – Minister

213 total views today

By Philip Yatai

Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has described arts, culture and traditions of FCT residents as veritable tools for inclusive economic growth.

Mahmoud stated this at the close of the 11th Edition of the Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture (ASOFEST), in Abuja on Thursday.

The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, 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.

Mahmoud stressed that arts and culture were 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.

“The FCT Administration is poised to protect, preserve, promote and showcase our rich cultural heritage, diversity, uniqueness and traditions to the world.

“This, we are doing through cultural exchange and exhibition at our own annual ASOFEST.

“The festival has afforded us the opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the people and residents of FCT.

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

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 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, with a view to contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Ismail Abdulaziz
Oct, Tue, 2024

Culture & Tourism

FG to launch ‘DuduPlugs’ for Nigeria’s culture

557 total views today

By Joshua Olomu

The Federal Government is set to launch a digital repository of Nigeria’s cultural practices and traditions known as “DuduPlugs”.

“DuduPlugs is a cutting edge global digital platform developed by ACITeksystem, a Nigerian-American company, in collaboration with the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).

Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary/CEO of NICO, at the pre-launch on Tuesday in Abuja said DuduPlugs allow users to explore, share, and celebrate nine distinct cultural categories.

They include Music, fashion, Art, Film, food, dance, Green/Artistic building, technology, language and literature using technology as an enabler.

Ajiboye said the platform would serve as a repository and connecting platform for Nigeria’s culture and creativity, as well as increase international exposure of Nigeria’s cultural assets and ingenuity.

“This seamless combination of social connectivity aims to promote and preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage with the view to pass it down to younger generations.

“It will attract global acceptance and accessibility; attract foreign exchange earnings as well as evoke appreciation of the Nigerian culture, thereby strengthening its economy and international image.

“You will agree with me that today, our nation bleeds for lack of inflow of foreign exchange and even internal production is stifling.

“This is why we have decided to think out of the box to use culture, a hitherto forgotten sector to rescue this impending catastrophe, within our own space and ability.

“DuduPlugs also seeks to position Nigeria as a prime cultural destination, promoting tourism and global appreciation of the country’s heritage.

“It will serve as an accessible educational resource and foster collaborations between cultural organisations, government agencies, and individuals to create a sustainable platform for cultural preservation and knowledge-sharing,” he said.

Foluke Michael, the Project Management Executive, said the project was over 80 per cent completed, and when launched would serve as tool for cultural diplomacy for Nigeria and create jobs for its teeming youths.

“Dudu Plugs is coming at this time to reintroduce Nigeria in positive light with 9 Plugs, including culture, art, creativity and bringing them together is possible in Nigeria.

“I also want the world to know that we are not just cut out for what they read in the news and there is something positive about our nation.

“This project is actually domiciled in America and that is why we keep saying Nigerian- America organisation as we are a group of passionate Nigerians telling Nigeria’s story,” she said.

In her address, Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, lauded NICO for championing the initiative, adding that the platform would endear Nigeria’s rich cultural and creative sectors to the world.

Musawa, who was represented by Ibiene Roberts, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said the platform would serve as a veritable tool for national unity.

“As we unveil DuduPlugs today, may it serve as a symbol of unity and pride in our cultural heritage because it reflects the colours, stories and experiences that define who we are as a people.

“I, therefore, encourage each of you to embrace this initiative to engage what the platform provides and to collaborate in celebrating our unique narratives.

“Our celebration of life through our numerous festivals will also be projected to an audience in the Diaspora, which encompasses Brazil, Cuba, Trinidad, and Tobago, Jamaica and the large African-American population.

“They are not only thirsty for a substantial taste of our vibrant Nigerian cultures but are also yearning for a return to their roots,” she said.

In his goodwill message, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, commended the Ajiboye-led management of NICO for the initiative.

He said that the President Bola Tinubu administration was committed to ensuring that the culture and creative sectors become robust sources of national income and job creation.

NAN reports that top government functionaries, including heads of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy were present at the pre-launch event.(NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi