The minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has urged stakeholders in the culture sector to use the creativity in the industry to boost the country’s economy.
Mohammed gave the advice at the opening of the Boat regatta display as part of activities marking the ongoing Abuja National Carnival.
“While the country needs a lot of money and infrastructure to diversify other areas of the economy, we do not need so much in the creative industry to achieve that diversification.
“The contents and infrastructure we need are in the heads of the individuals working in the sector.
“The participants in the regatta do not need government to teach them. It’s like a tradition that is inherent and if properly tapped, can turn the economic situation of a person, state and the country at large,’’ Mohammed said.
He also said culture and tourism were not all about singing and dancing, but the peace and unity that would always come with them could not be over emphasised.
“Culture is not about song or dance, but the peace and unity it brings should be of a great importance to us.
“Today we are here to witness the boat regatta; all the participants are socialising with each other, and no one will like to offend anyone. That is what festivals like this bring joyful atmosphere.
“Nigeria has a population of about 180, and only two world recognised tourism sites, while Italy that their population is not up to half has 50 sites.
“We need to make up with other cultural activities that exist in different zones of the country to attract tourists and increase our foreign exchange,” the minister said.
