By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud has said that the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, is blessed with a rich heritage inherent in its diverse arts, and culture.
Mahmoud said this in Abuja on Thursday, at the close of the 11th Edition of the Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture , ASOFEST.
Mahmoud represented by the Permanent Secretary of Social Development Secretariat, Mrs. Olubumi Olowookere, noted that FCT was blessed with rich and unique culture, customs, and traditions.
She noted that the arts, culture, and traditions of FCT people is a veritable tool which can transform the nation’s economy to deliver sustainable inclusive growth.
According to her, the 11th edition of the ASOFEST, with the theme, “Sustaining the Renewed Hope Agenda through Efficient Management of Cultural Resources”, aims at building and promoting culture as a creative economy.
“This will promote peace, prosperity and unity, thereby boosting food and national security.”
She reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to preserving and protecting the rich cultural heritage of indigenous people and residents of the territory
She stated that through ASOFEST, the FCT Administration was not only preserving but also promoting and showcasing the FCT’s unique arts, culture, and traditions to the world.
“The FCT Administration is poised to protect, preserve, promote and showcase our rich cultural heritage, diversity, uniqueness, and traditions to the world.’
“This, we are doing through cultural exchange and exhibition at our annual ASOFEST.”
“The festival has afforded us the opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the people and residents of FCT.”
“Even the people who settled and made FCT their home, we equally appreciate the dynamism of their different cultures,” she added.
Meanwhile, the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, at the opening of the two-day arts festival, had promised to develop the territory’s arts, culture, and tourism potential.
Wike has also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had mandated the FCT Administration, to harness the tourism potential of the federal capital to enhance the growth of the nation’s economy.
