Thursday 27 November 2014

Insecurity Mars Abuja Carnival As 30 States Stay Away

In view of the ongoing security challenge that has crippled the entire sector of the economy, the 10th Edition of Abuja National Carnival organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation witnessed poor turnout of participant with 30 States of the 36 States of the Federation including FCT Shunning the event.
However seven states including Kogi, Zamfara, Ebonyi, Niger, Akwaibom, Kano and FCT including Ijaw Cultural troupe displayed their carnival float at the event without the presence of any foreign participation.
The Carnival with the theme, ‘Building an Enduring Creative Nation’ was almost cancelled due to insecurity but was poorly publicised by the Carnival committee in the Ministry, despite the budgetary allocation mapped out for the event.
Declaring the event open, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan represented by the Vice President, Namadi Sambo praised the Creative and Tourism sectors for contributing immensely to the country’s rebased Gross Domestic Product adding that the sectors provided economic development options such as poverty alleviation and wealth creation.
He maintained that despite insecurity that Nigeria has recorded remarkable progress in the creative sector even as he called on the private sector to contribute its quota to the development of the sector in line with President Jonathan’s transformation agenda.
In his address, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Edem Duke expressed regret at the continued bombings rocking the nation, noting that the carnival would have been suspended till next year but had to take place since it was listed in the International calendar.
While thanking the Federal government for constantly preaching unity through its programmes, he noted that the carnival would be low – key due to the mood of the nation.
Source: Leadership

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