Gov Aliyu tasks Cultural executives on improved indigenous Arts, craft

He made this call during the 37th meeting of the chief executives of culture of the federation held in Minna, Niger state capital. Governor Muazu also urged them to come up with suggestions that will promote peaceful co-existence of the nation while calling on Nigerians to patronize homemade materials and local fresh food and beverages […]

He made this call during the 37th meeting of the chief executives of culture of the federation held in Minna, Niger state capital.

Governor Muazu also urged them to come up with suggestions that will promote peaceful co-existence of the nation while calling on Nigerians to patronize homemade materials and local fresh food and beverages that are life sustaining.

He said that the state is in the vanguard of transforming into a model in global eco tourism and providing a conducive environment for the promotion of peace and unity among the diverse ethnic groups within and outside the state.

“ Niger state has been promoting and preserving our cultural heritage through her support to the traditional institution, dance and music industries.  And the state will continue to support all communities within the state who are committed to the preservation of their cultural heritage. In order to make Niger State the preferred tourist destination in Nigeria, I have directed the Ministry of Tourism and Culture to organise the Nigerfest this year before going out for any national competition,  this is with a view to have a talent hunt and also promote and preserve our rich cultural heritage,” he said.

In his address, executive director of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Mr. MM Maidugu said that the focus of the 37th edition of culture executives meeting is channelled towards addressing the socio-economic challenges currently facing the nation.

“Our primary consideration should be on how to showcase our culture towards promoting peace and national unity. Similarly, we should also focus on tapping the economic potentials of the hidden treasures of our cultural heritage. Indeed, we need to renew our approach and zeal to use the platform of Arts and Culture to effectively key into the Transformation Agenda of Mr. President and our drive to becoming among the largest 20 economies by the year 2020,” he said.

He said that the proposed theme of NAFEST 2012 is culture, peace and economic empowerment and added that they have come up with five competitive and five non-competitive events to promote the theme. The events are traditional moonlight games; children`s essay writing competition; children’s drawing and painting; dance drama; Arts and Crafts exhibition, traditional furnished apartments and traditional wrestling. While the non competitive events include, a colloquium; cultural book fair, food fair and crafts market.