The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind the maiden Afikpo International Carnival, announcing plans to integrate the festival into Nigeria’s growing “Dirty December” tourism calendar as part of efforts to leverage culture for economic growth, job creation and national development.

The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, stated this on Wednesday at the official flag-off and press briefing of the carnival in Abuja.

Represented by her Special Assistant on Content Development, Doyin Diya Odusanya, the minister said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage as a global tourism asset capable of attracting visitors and boosting the economy.

She described Nigeria’s cultural diversity as one of its greatest strengths, adding that the Afikpo International Carnival has the potential to become a globally recognised festival.

Odusanya said the ministry would collaborate with the organisers to position the carnival alongside major end-of-year cultural events that attract local and international tourists.

“We will try as much as possible to ensure that this festival is aligned with the ‘Dirty December’ project so that as tourists from across the world look for destinations to visit during the festive season, Afikpo will become one of the places they will consider, just like the Calabar Carnival and other major cultural events,” he said.

He noted that cultural festivals around the world have become major economic drivers, creating employment opportunities, promoting peace and strengthening social cohesion.

According to him, Nigeria has enormous cultural assets that can generate significant economic value if properly harnessed.

“Culture is not just entertainment. It fosters peace, strengthens unity, creates jobs and stimulates economic prosperity. The Afikpo International Carnival is not only for the South-East; it is a festival for the entire nation,” he said.

He cited the success of FESTAC ’77 and the growth of “Dirty December” as examples of how cultural events can evolve into major tourism brands.

Odusanya urged the organisers to learn from successful global festivals, noting that Nigeria’s cultural offerings, including music, cuisine, traditions and festivals, continue to attract international attention.

“There is no country like Nigeria when it comes to culture and festivals. Visitors who attend our festivals leave with unforgettable experiences and always want to return. That is why we must continue to invest in our cultural assets,” he added.

He assured the organisers of the ministry’s support towards ensuring the success of the carnival through partnerships and strategic collaborations.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, represented by Mrs Blessing Onwughalu, described the Afikpo International Carnival as a platform for showcasing Nigeria’s cultural identity while promoting tourism, entrepreneurship and community development.

Onwughalu said the carnival goes beyond entertainment, serving as a means of preserving cultural heritage, promoting national unity and creating economic opportunities for artists, performers, entrepreneurs and local businesses.

“The Afikpo International Carnival is more than a celebration of culture. It is a platform that showcases our unique identity, strengthens national unity, promotes tourism, empowers our creative talents and stimulates economic growth within our communities,” she said.

She added that cultural festivals had become important tools for sustainable development, employment generation and international cultural exchange as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy.

The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that project Nigeria positively on the global stage and create opportunities within the creative economy sector.

The 2026 Afikpo International Carnival is scheduled to hold from December 26 to 29 in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, and will feature cultural displays, traditional performances, indigenous cuisine, arts exhibitions and other tourism activities aimed at attracting visitors from Nigeria and beyond. (Vanguard)

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