Abia Targets Tourism, Creative Economy Growth Through Art, Cultural Festival
Abia Targets Tourism, Creative Economy Growth Through Art, Cultural Festival
Abia Targets Tourism, Creative Economy Growth Through Art, Cultural Festival
A renewed drive to preserve Abia’s cultural heritage and unlock opportunities in the creative economy took centre stage as Governor Alex Otti officially opened the “Defining Us” Art and Cultural Festival, calling on citizens to celebrate their identity and leverage creativity for sustainable development.
Declaring the festival open, Governor Alex Otti said arts and culture remain powerful tools for preserving identity, fostering unity and driving economic growth. He noted that the festival reflects the state’s determination to showcase its rich heritage while creating opportunities for artists, students and other stakeholders in the creative ecosystem.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, commended the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and House of Crystal Empire for organising the event, describing the collaboration as a step towards strengthening cultural development and expanding economic opportunities through creativity.
He assured that his administration would continue to support programmes that promote cultural preservation, youth empowerment, tourism development and innovation.
The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, said the ministry had recorded significant progress under Governor Otti’s administration, revealing that over 55 viable tourism and cultural sites had been identified across the state for development.
He disclosed that the government was working with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) to upgrade major tourism assets, including the National War Museum, Ojukwu Bunker, Azumini Blue River and Iwollo Waterfall.
Ekwuribe stressed the need for Abians to preserve their cultural values and indigenous language, noting that the theme of the festival, “Defining Us,” underscores the importance of identity and heritage.
According to him, the creative economy has become a major contributor to economic growth globally, making it imperative for governments to invest in arts, culture and innovation.
He said the students’ art competition and the “Waste-to-Art” initiative were designed to encourage creativity, innovation and environmental consciousness among young people.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of House of Crystal Empire, Mr. Onyekwelu Chimdindm, urged students and emerging artists to remain focused on their dreams, assuring them that hard work and persistence would eventually yield success.
The event featured art exhibitions, cultural displays, dance performances and other creative presentations and attracted the presence of the wife of the deputy governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu and other government officials.