CALEB AYANSINA & RAPHAEL IZOKPU

Federal Government has appealed to corporate bodies as well as Civil Society groups to join hands with it in the promotion of the country’s cultural heritage.

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke made the appeal during a press conference on the forthcoming National Festival of Arts and Culture NAFEST 2014, in Ebonyi State, in Abuja.

Duke said that cultural sector had inherent and abundant resources that could turn around the nation’s economy into a productive one, for youth empowerment and jobs creation.

“The cultural sector has succeeded in unearthing the various indigenous products, practices that were used to deepen our quest for a peaceful co-existence, patriotism and discipline necessary for building an economically developed and united Nigeria,” Duke said.

Speaking on the theme: “Celebrating Nigeria @ 100: The Role of Culture as Vehicle for National Unity”, he said it was intended to be a sober reflection on the nation’s existence for hundred years.

The minister further said that the choice of Ebonyi state

“Based on various consultations and interactions and given the antecedents of Ebonyi state in hosting national events of similar magnitude. l have no doubt in assuring you that, the Government and good people of the state are fully prepared to host the nation come Sunday, 19th to Sunday, 26th of October 2014.”

Activities lined up for the festival include traditional dance, drama, traditional furnished apartment, children’s story telling, essay writing and painting competitions.

Others are: Arts and Crafts Exhibition and traditional wresting, the book fair, the cultural market and the colloquium component.