Jonathan charges culture ambassadors as NAFEST 2012 begins

Mr President said this at the opening ceremony of the 26th edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST 2012) holding in Ilorin, Kwara State. The President, who was represented by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, used the occasion to reiterate  his commitment and support to culture […]

Mr President said this at the opening ceremony of the 26th edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST 2012) holding in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The President, who was represented by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, used the occasion to reiterate  his commitment and support to culture and tourism development in the country.

With the year’s theme as ‘Culture, Peace and Economic Empowerment,’ the President said it was coming at a time when all efforts should be geared towards political stability and economic empowerment.

“I therefore commend the choice of the theme of NAFEST 2012, given our present situation on the need to spread the message of peace, which is a panacea for national development.”

Kwara State Governor and chief host of the festival, Alhaji Abdulfatai Ahmed welcoming culture ambassadors to the state, said the impact of the event in the promotion of domestic tourism to the government and people of Kwara State  cannot be overemphasised.

In his remarks, Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke said his utmost desire is to reposition the culture sector as a platform for economic empowerment.