The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has promised to develop FCT’s arts, culture and tourism potential.

Mr Wike made the promise at the opening of the 2024 Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture (ASOFEST) in Abuja on Wednesday.

The minister, who was represented by the mandate secretary, social development secretariat, Ibrahim Aminu, said that the move was to preserve, promote and showcase FCT’s cultural heritage to the world.

He said that President Bola Tinubu had given a matching order to the FCTA to harness the tourism potential of the federal capital with a view to contributing to the growth of the nation’s economy.

This, according to him, would add value to the people’s way of life, attract global recognition, and improve the quality of life for FCT residents.

He added that the Tinubu-led administration was committed to supporting programmes and initiatives that would promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage in the global community.

Mr Wike explained that the annual ASOFEST provided the needed opportunity to the indigenous and other ethnic groups residing in FCT to showcase their unique culture, thereby promoting unity and peaceful coexistence.

“This festival creates a viable platform for skill acquisition and transfer of knowledge, as well as an opportunity for the youths and women to be gainfully employed.

“Mr President has given specific instruction to develop, grow and nurture the arts and culture of residents of FCT towards making the territory a tourism hub.

“This is exactly what we are going to do,” he said.

The minister further disclosed that FCT would host the 2024 edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), which he described as a “major” cultural event in the country.

He said that the festival sought to bring together stakeholders in the arts and culture industry to interact, showcase talents, and project the image of Nigeria’s heritage.

“The FCT Administration is already collaborating with the National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC) to ensure the success of the event.

Earlier, the permanent secretary of the secretariat, Olubumi Olowookere, said that the ASOFEST was not just a medium for cultural upliftment but also a platform for value transmission and diffusion.

(NAN)