President Goodluck Jonathan has promised an end to the
nation’s over dependence on oil.
His administration, he said, would do anything possible to
diversify the nation’s economy.
Jonathan spoke during a command performance/dinner held at
the Presidential Villa in honor of participants of the Abuja National Carnival
on Monday.
The President was represented by his deputy, Namadi Sambo, at
the event.
As a way of diversifying the economy, Jonathan said the
Federal Government would continue to promote sustainable growth in the nation’s
tourism and culture sector.
He said the sector was capable of providing economic
development, employment opportunities, poverty reduction as well as good
returns on investment.
According to him, Nigeria has the potential to be the number
one tourist destination in the world.
Acknowledging the support of the private sector for the Abuja
national festival, Jonathan promised that government would continue to provide favorable investment climate as well as business incentives to both local and
foreign investors in order to boost the economy.
He said, “The laudable dreams that gave birth to the carnival
have continued to motivate its annual celebration, anchored on the recognition
that there exists a nexus between culture and the economic and technological
growth of a nation.
“The Abuja Carnival has proven to be one successful step in
directing attention to the untapped huge investment opportunities in Nigeria’s
exceptionally rich and diverse cultural and artistic heritage.”
In his remarks, the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis,
Mr. Denzil Douglas, commended President Jonathan and Nigerians for
strengthening socio-cultural ties between his country and Nigeria.
He also thanked the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu,
for inviting him to participate in this year’s carnival.
Earlier, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National
Orientation, Mr. Edem Duke, had expressed the hope that the carnival would
contribute to the economic growth and transformation of the nation.
The occasion featured special performances by national
troupes from Egypt, Namibia, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba and China alongside
selected Nigerian troupes.
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