Nature Care Foundation lists culture, tourism as alternative to diversify economy
Worried by near extinction of rich culture and traditions of people in Africa, Nature Care Foundation- a nongovernmental organisation has suggested preservation of culture and tourism potentials of the nation to generate income and reduce over dependency on oil revenues.
Addressing members of Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs in Uyo yesterday, the programmes coordinator of Nature Care Foundation, Mrs. Carine Udo implored the royal fathers to revive the rich cultural values of the people transforming them into money spinning enterprise to diversify the economy.
Mrs Udo explained culture to include Arts, Drama, dress code, native food, songs, aesthetics, natural tourist attraction, tradition and language of the people.
She urged the royal fathers to reactivate these natural endowments in their various domains and kingdoms for both posterity and economic gains.
“When nature puts certain creature in a particular environment, it is for the development of that vicinity”
Udo further charged the royal fathers to translate their God given natural phenomenon in their domains to promote economy of the area.
She frowned at a situation where Nigeria economy is driven by oil while other natural heritage is neglected in the society.
Udo told the royal fathers that the NGO technical consultant has concluded arrangements to publish an Ibibio language as a means to preserve the native language of Akwa Ibom people.
She urged NAFDAC to continue to provide regulations to local manufacturers instead of constant clamp down on them as such arrest discourage ingenuity that may improve the local economy.
In his response, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs and Paramount Ruler of lni local council area, His Royal Majesty Edidem Ntoeng Udo Effiong Akpan assured the programme co-ordinator of co-operation and referred them to custom and traditions sub-committee of the state Council of Chiefs for enlightenment.
