Approximately 5,000 Igbo indigenes in Nigeria and diaspora, as well as their friends and well-wishers, are expected to participate in a two-day Igbo Cultural Festival scheduled to hold in Minnesota, United States, on August 10th and 11th, 2023.
The event is expected to provide opportunities to market the
culture, food, language, music and other uniqueness of the Igbo people who are
predominantly in South East Nigeria but with significant and impressive spread
and presence across Nigeria and beyond.
Cultural Ambassador and promoter of the event, Peter
Egbudom, told journalists at a press conference, in Abuja, that the target of
the festival is the celebrate the rich culture of the Igbo people, and also let
the world know about it and ways it can redefine life and living in the world.
He said: “It’s unfortunate that Nigeria is not taping well
into the tourism industry which has the potential to contribute significantly
to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. This has to change. We need
to play in this league deeply and favourably because we have enough to offer
the world in terms of tourism to earn their trust, and revenue and entertain
the world.
“We have good and rich foods, music and other cultural
endowment. We should be able to export it and let the world know about it. For
instance, China and several other countries have exported their food and
culture to other parts of the world including Nigeria. We now have Chinese
Restaurants in several locations in Nigeria. So, it is in some other countries
of the world.
“Undoubtedly, Nigeria is facing the biggest economic
challenges arising from diminishing internal revenues and inadequate foreign
investments. The matter was compounded by excruciating debt burdens that have
affected other sectors of the country.
“The oil and gas sector is also facing severe dislocations
as it is on record that Nigeria is unable to meet its OPEC’s quota. This
disturbing trend was compounded by the unprecedented stealing of our crude oil
on a massive scale.
“The oil theft in Nigeria is so rampant to the extent that
big vessels are being brought to Nigeria to siphon our crude oil from the high
seas. With this frightening scenario, Nigeria is in dire need of legitimate
foreign investment through tourism potential.
“Our diverse cultural heritage has been left untapped for so
many years. This rich cultural heritage can be harnessed to bring investment to
Nigeria. Foreigners are usually excited about our cultural heritage, costumes
and food. Our rich cultural heritage is an area where the federal, state, and local
governments and private entities can come in and earn foreign revenues through
tourism.
“With the forthcoming Igbo Festival in Minnesota, United
States, we now have the opportunity to showcase our rich and diverse cultural
heritage that will definitely promote tourism potential.”
Egbudom stated that the Federal Government was not involved
in the planning of the Festival, advising the federal and state governments to
set up a tourism board and give it adequate support in order to boost cultural
tourism in the country.
“Government needs to put more money into our tourism sites
and provide security to attract foreign investment. They can also send
Nigerians to other countries that are doing well in tourism to learn and
develop ours in return.”
Egbudom, who hails from Isuofia in Aguata LGA of Anambra
State, said he has reached out to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo,
and is about to do the same to other South East Governors, with the aim of
securing their support and possible participation in the festival.
“This will enable them the opportunity to showcase the
investment potentials of their states to Nigerians and other countries in the
diaspora and earn revenues from tourism.
“We are also making necessary plans to reach out to the
Chairman of Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon Abike
Dabiri-Erewa, to have synergy with the Federal Government on tourism
potential.”
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