Buhari says Nigeria ready to host major cultural, tourism, literacy events

President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged full support to three major international events scheduled to hold in Nigeria in October and November.
The events would showcase the nation’s rich heritage in culture, arts, tourism and entertainment.
Nigeria will be hosting the 2022 UNESCO Global Media, Information Literacy (MIL) Week in Abuja in October.
The country will host the first Global Conference on Cultural Tourism and Creative Industry in Lagos also in October.
In November, it will host the 2nd Global Association of Literary Festivals Conference in Abeokuta.
State House spokesman Femi Adesina stated on Sunday in Abuja that the president welcomed decisions by organisers of the three separate historic events for Nigeria to host the fiestas.
The organisers are UNESCO, the UN World Tourism Organisation and the Global Association of Literary Festivals.
The president assured interested parties and participants of the warmth and hospitality of the people of Nigeria.
On MIL Week, Mr Buhari noted that “it is instructive that Nigeria is attracting positive international attention as a country that promotes media freedom and freedom of expression.’’
According to him, the country recognises the important roles information, literacy and media education play in sustainable development.
At the first Global Conference on Cultural Tourism, the president noted the rapid growth of Nigeria’s film, fashion, music, and ICT sectors.
He assured that the increase in international appeal and acceptance of Nigeria’s products would continue to spur the government to devote more resources to the sectors.
He recalled the Creative Industry Financing Initiative (CIFI), established by his administration to provide single-digit interest rate financing for young Nigerians in fashion, film-making, music and information Technology.
CIFI is managed by the CBN in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee.
According to the president, the 100 million dollars re-development of the National Theatre, Lagos, into a world-class Creative Park is also on-going.
The National Theatre complex has been handed over to the CBN and the Bankers Committee.
Mr Buhari said he trusted that the literary world would find many good things to celebrate about Nigeria when members meet in Abeokuta.
Abeokuta is the homeland and birthplace of one of Nigeria’s finest literary icons and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka.
The president expressed delight to welcome international visitors to Nigeria and urged compatriots to use the period to exhibit the values “that make us a unique, friendly and peace-loving people.’’
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

States
Kogi govt. to spend N100 billion on Lokoja waterworks
Mr Farouk, who disclosed this at a news briefing in Lokoja on Tuesday, appealed for patience among residents for the period of the overhaul.

Diaspora
CBN unveils platform for Nigerians abroad to obtain BVN; optimistic of $1 billion monthly remittance
CBN said this innovative digital gateway allows Nigerians in the diaspora to obtain a BVN remotely without needing a physical presence in Nigeria.

Rights
Health workers threaten strike over delay in payment of pay rise arrears
They urged the government to consider the implications of the resumption of the suspended strike action on the health sector.

Abuja
Reps summon Federal Fire Service CG over rescue truck accident in Abuja
The minority whip, Ali Isah, issued the ultimatum on Tuesday after the management members of the service failed to honour an earlier invitation.

Economy
Stock market rebounds with N315 billion gain
The All-Share Index (ASI) increased by 501.14 points or 0.46 per cent, closing at 108,762.61, compared to 108,261.47 in the previous session.

Economy
Prices of fruits soar by over 60% in Enugu markets
The survey showed that a bunch of bananas, sold for ₦1,500 between February and April, now go for ₦3,500.