The Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has revealed that the nation must take advantage of its cultural diversity to foster unity and economic development.
The governor noted that the nation is blessed with vast cultural values and endowment which he said with innovation could replace dependency on oil and chart a pathway for economic growth and youth employment.
Fayemi who spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital on Monday while declaring open the 34th National Festival of Arts and Culture (NIFEST) said that the state agreed to play host to participants across the 36 states of the federation to showcase the vast arts and cultural endowment of the state and ultimately attract investors to the growing sector.
According to him, “The burden of our national commitments which has rested solely on the performance of our crude oil in the international market has continued to render the nation immobile. This calls for an innovative solution. Investing in culture is crucial to the general development of any society. Culture impacts on economic growth by strengthening social virtues, creating trust which facilitates relationships and inspiring motivation that stimulates entrepreneurship.
“As a country with diverse cultures, it is imperative for us to take advantage of the innate strength in our diversity, and our human and natural resources, to build a united, just and prosperous country for the present and future generations. We have a rich culture that can be used to advance the nation’s economy, if properly harnessed.”
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to invest not only in the performing and creative areas of the sector, but in attidutional change and values re-orientation, saying , “I am glad to inform you that our core cultural values as Ekiti people have now been included in our educational curriculum to be taught in primary and post-primary schools across the state.”
He called on the participants to take advantage of their presence in the state and expore the avalanche of cultural points and site, assuring them that adequate security have been put in place to make their stay worthwhile.
The Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture, Olusegun Runsewe noted that the theme of the 2021 festival, “Celebrating National Unity in Diversity ‘ is apt in view of the insecurity and other challenges confronting the nation.
He added that the gathering of Nigerians in Ekiti for the festival in large numbers, “is a testimony and reminder that the country is destined to be one nation under God in spite of its diversity.”
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Culture potent tool for Nigeria’s unity ― Fayemi
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