The Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa, has emphasized the vital role of culture, arts, and creativity in fostering national unity, social cohesion, and economic growth in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 36th edition of the National Festival of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) in Abuja, Musawa called on Nigerians to embrace their cultural identity and integrate it into all aspects of life.
“Our rich cultural heritage is a source of our strength, inspiration, and pride for all Nigerians,” she declared at the festival, held at the Arts and Crafts Village. She reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the arts and culture sector: “We will continue to work tirelessly towards promoting Nigerian arts and culture globally, creating jobs and opportunities for our creative talents, and preserving our rich cultural heritage for future generations.”
Musawa hailed the success of this year’s festival, describing it as an “amazing showcase” of the nation’s cultural wealth. She noted that the participation of various states at NAFEST highlighted Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity and urged citizens to explore arts, culture, and creativity as viable means of livelihood.
The Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Obi Asika, also praised the efforts of the management team, participating states, and development partners for their contributions to the success of NAFEST 2024.
This year’s event further underscored the government’s determination to create an enabling environment for the growth of the creative economy while celebrating the nation’s diverse cultural heritage.
