The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will develop, grow and nurture the Arts, Culture and Tourism Sectors of
the Territory to make it the hub in the country.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, gave this assurance during the opening ceremony at the 11th Edition of the Abuja Festival of Arts
and Culture – (NAFEST 2024).
through the Departments of Arts and Culture of the
Federal Capital Territory Administration.
The Minister said that President Bola Ahmed
Tinubu has given him specific instructions to develop, grow and nurture
the Arts, Culture and Tourism thereby making Abuja its hub.
Ha words: “The FCT Administration will continue to support even more the
activities and programmes that will further develop and grow the sector because that is clear directive from Mr. President.”
According to him, “the place of Arts and Culture in an emerging
capital city like ours cannot be over emphasized, as tourism
have since become one of the main stake of revenue & income
generation for most countries apart from other derivable like, job
creation and urban regeneration where initiatives enhancing quality of
life and property values are underscored”.
The Minister reiterated that the FCT Administration will continue to roll out programmes and
activities that will bring relieve, smiles and succour to the people
of the FCT as a way to relieve off the stress associated with realistic and
the seemingly tough economic policies being undertaken by the current
Administration meant to better the lives of the majority of the citizenry on
the long run.
He called on investors, arts and culture enthusiastic, business men and
other relevant critical stake holders in the industry to come up with ideas
that will help improve; saying that the cultural sector of the FCT needs
investment heavily as the doors are opened for such ideas,
collaborations and insight.
Welcoming guests to the occasion, the Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat (SDS), Ibrahim
Aminu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, SDS,
Olowookere Olubunmi, stated that the Abuja festival of Arts and Culture
(ASOFEST) is owned indigenously by both the natives of the Six Area
Councils of the Territory as well as the other stakeholders; hence it has
become imperative that it is well celebrated to ensure that it is recognized worldwide.
“Delightfully, I am glad to announce that since the introduction of
ASOFEST into the cultural environment of the Federal Capital Territory,
the Festival have made tremendous impact in uniting our people and
ensuring peaceful co-existence among the various residents in the
Territory in realization of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of Mr. President
which the FCT Minister is vigorously pursuing and implementing,” he stressed.
