Abuja 2019 Carnival to engender nation building – FG
Joseph Inokotong, Abuja
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Mrs. Grace Gekpe, said 2019 Abuja Carnival would provide the platform to unwind, recreate and continue the onerous task of nation building.
Gekpe said this at the 2019 Abuja Carnival stakeholders meeting on Monday in Abuja.
She said that the theme for the year’s carnival “Culture for Peace’’ was carefully selected to reflect Nigerians aspiration of an unending peace in the country.
“It is worthy to note that carnival aside from being a vehicle for wealth creation, poverty reduction, employment generation and social integration it is also a panacea for peaceful and stable society.
“The carnival is conceived to showcase our strength even in our diversity and to forge a nation of one destiny and one people.
“This year’ carnival among other gains will provide the platform to unwind, recreate and continue the onerous task of nation building after the 2019 general election.
“The ministry is not unmindful of the justifiable concerns of the stakeholders within and outside the sector over the postponement of the carnival from December 2018 to November 2019.
“While we regret the inconvenience caused by the shifts in these dates, it is however pertinent that the input from the technical forum will enhance our capacity to organise a world-class event.
“This crucial meeting of the stakeholders of the carnival is convened to brainstorm and work out strategies that will help us to have a robust 2019 Abuja carnival, which is scheduled from Nov. 23 to Nov. 25.
“I wish to assure of that the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed is expectant of the outcome and recommendations of this interactive forum.
“He will give it all the executive backing required for its actualisation,’’ she said.
The Emir of Maccina from Yobe, Alhaji Bashir Albashir said that the importance of Abuja Carnival could not be overemphasised.
He said that the carnival would unite all ethnic groups in the country and provide platform for cultural interaction that would inevitably enhance nation building.
The two-day event will bring together relevant stakeholders in the culture sector of the country to chart a way forward for Abuja Carnival.
The Abuja Carnival did not take place in 2018 and the previous editions were low key.
