The Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud on Wednesday inaugurated the 10th edition of the Abuja Festival of Arts and culture, ASOFEST.
Crediblenews reports that the celebration, themed Peaceful Co-existence, a Panacea for Economic Revival, would bring different cultural groups from the six Area Councils of the territory together to showcase their cultural heritage.
Mahmoud said the theme of the festival was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, through diversification of the nation’s economy from oil.
The Minister who called for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage for economic diversification equally stressed that preserving and promoting the rich culture, customs and traditions will play a key role in promoting peaceful co-existence amongst different ethnic nationalities.
She underscored the need to sustain programs and activities that promote cultural complexities and define people’s uniqueness in a multicultural country like Nigeria.
READ ALSO:FCTA disburses N4.82bn to area councils, teachers, pension scheme
“As life evolves daily and for modernization purposes, we as a people must continue to create programmes and activities that define 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 learn and appreciate their roots,” Mahmoud said.
Earlier Mr. Ibrahim Aminu, Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat described ASOFEST as a melting pot of divergent cultural groups and traditions in the FCT.
“It also provides an opportunity for the people to display their distinctive delicacies, culinary skills, pottery, tie and dye, wrestling and weaving of clothes, mats and hats among others,” he said.
The mandate secretary expressed optimism that the festival would provide employment for the unemployed youths in the FCT.
