By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Federal Capital Territory Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has called for promotion and preservation of Nigerian cultural heritage as she
declared open the 10th edition of the Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture, popularly known as “ASOFEST’.
Mahmoud who made this call stated that the FCT Administration is recognize the unique role the diverse cultural heritage plays in influencing the peaceful co-existence of FCT residents amongst different ethnic nationalities.
The Minister noted that the theme of this year’s edition: “Peaceful Co-existence, a Panacea for Economic Revival,” was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda’s effort at diversifying the economy from oil, while the citizens are encouraged to coexist in peace and harmony.
“As life evolves daily and for modernization purposes, we as the people must continue to create programmes and activities that defines who we are and celebrate our heritage and uniqueness.”
“We must learn to tell our own stories to the outside world through the display and showcasing of our beautiful cultures.”
‘ Most importantly, it is also a way of making our children to learn and appreciate their roots so that when they find themselves in other climes and different societies tomorrow, they will be able to relieve on their own roots and culture to their peers as well,” Mahmoud stressed.
Earlier , the Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, Hon. Ibrahim Aminu, emphasised that Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture, is also in fulfillment of one of the Mandates of the Social Development Secretariat, through the Department of Arts and Culture to Present, Promote and Preserve the rich cultural heritage of the FCT.
Aminu therefore, expressed the hope that the celebration of the festival would provide a sort of employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths in the FCT.
He said, “ASOFEST is a festival where the different area councils of the FCT showcases their varieties of distinctive delicacies and culinary skills, pottery, weaving of clothes, mats and hats, tie and dye, wrestling and other areas of strength in a fun filled competition.”
The Mandate Secretary, also thanked the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for the continuous support the Secretariat enjoyed to consolidate on the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President through people’s orientated programmes.
The highpoint of the event was different cultural displays drawn from the six Area Councils of the FCT, as participants compete in various traditional events.
