Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, on Monday in Abuja solicited the support of Nigerians for the sustenance of Abuja carnival in the promotion of national peace.
Ekweremadu made the call while declaring open the boat regatta of the 8th edition of the Abuja national carnival.
He said since the carnival had become a rallying point for all Nigerians to interact and develop a national culture for the unity and progress of the nation, there was need to sustain it.
“I earnestly urge support from all toward the sustenance of the carnival to fully harness its capacity to deepen national cohesion, as well as boosting eco-tourism and inter cultural understanding,’’ Ekweremadu said.
He said that the event affirmed that the country’s diversity should be the basis of strength, reinforce unity and serve as a veritable platform for harmonious co-existence.
“It is imperative to note that this boat regatta culture gives credence to the fact that, though, a plural society, our cultures are the fulcrum of our national identity, cohesion and development,’’he said.
Ekweremadu emphasised the commitment of the National Assembly to the development and harnessing of Nigeria’s cultures and tourism for national unity and transformation.
“The National Assembly is aware that this sector is the mainstay of many world economies.
“It will continue to do all within its powers to ensure that other critical indices in the culture and tourism sectors are developed,’’ he added.
Ekweremadu stated that if such indices such as security and infrastructural development were further developed, it would enable the sectors to develop their full potentials as a way of diversifying the nation’s economy.
?Earlier, Chief Edem Duke, The Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, said culture and tradition were unifying factors in the country.
Duke said that the splendid aquatic splendour of the boat regatta could be replicated anywhere in the world.
According to the minister, all the 36 states in the country can also extend the event to their various states.
He said the event further explained that Nigeria was a people with great tradition and heroic achievements.
“And indeed culture and tradition is our Oneness,’’ Duke said.
?? The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogun, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Niger states participated in the boat regatta.
The event recorded a convergence of elegantly decorated boats, adorned in splendid colours, buntings and peddlers that created exciting rhythms and harmony in artful display of Nigerian skills. ?
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