We will make culture, tourism bedrock of economy – Minister

Lai Mohammed

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, says the ministry will make culture and tourism the bedrocks of the country’s economy.

The minister made this known on Wednesday night at the gala night of the 2016 National Summit on Culture and Tourism in Abuja.

“In this summit, we have brought together all the people that can make the culture and tourism industry work.

“We have stakeholders from both the public and private sectors that are well grounded in culture and tourism.

“What we want to do is to let the world know that the culture and tourism portfolio is as attractive as Ministry of Petroleum Resources,’’ he said.

The minister advised members of staff of the ministry and its agencies not to feel rejected given the current government establishments’ structure.

He gave assurance that the sector would be made money spinner for government and the pride of among government establishments for public and civil servants.

Earlier in a welcome address, Mrs Ayotunde Adesugba, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry said that the gathering would design ways culture and tourism would impact on other sectors.

“The summit will highlight the critical sectors of culture and tourism with a view to create job opportunities and improve other sectors like agriculture, transport and manufacturing.

“Culture and tourism have become dominant sectors in many countries around the world and the drivers of their economies.

“Nigeria must take the advantages of its rich, diverse and abundant culture and tourism potentials,’’ she said.

Adesugba thanked participants and delegates to the conference and urged them to contribute their best to make culture and tourism the bedrocks of the Nigerian economy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gala night featured performances by the National Dance Troupe which showcased the nation’s diverse and rich cultural heritage in dances.

There was also an exhibition of artefacts, artistic and intellectual works which were inspected by the minister. (NAN)