Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasized on Wednesday, that Nigeria’s carnival industry has the potential not only to showcase the nation’s rich cultural heritage but also to drive unity, cohesion, and youth empowerment.
In line with this vision, Shettima pledged government support to position Nigeria’s carnival sector within the global carnival market, valued at approximately $5 billion, as a strategic contributor to economic growth.
During a meeting with a delegation from the Abuja International Carnival at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima highlighted the untapped potential of the carnival market in advancing Nigeria’s economic goals.
“The value of the global carnival market is estimated at $5bn,” he stated.
“This underscores its potential to assist us in our economic growth agenda.
Beyond promoting our rich cultural heritage, it is a driver for national unity and cohesion. We also have to look at the potential for economic value addition,” he added.
The Vice President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, provided details of the meeting in a statement titled, “VP Shettima: A Vibrant Carnival Industry Will Unite Nigeria, Empower Our Youths.”
Shettima also pointed to the global success of major carnivals like the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, which draws up to 200 million visitors each year, and Nigeria’s own Calabar Carnival, integral to the Efik/Ibibio cultural heritage.
He encouraged the Abuja International Carnival delegation to expedite efforts to restore the Abuja carnival to its former prominence, noting, “The Abuja carnival used to be an even bigger event.
I urge you to fast-track all efforts toward holding this event.”
Additionally, Shettima underscored the government’s commitment to youth enterprises in the creative industry, noting its potential to boost employment and foster unity.
He highlighted the administration’s investment in the $618 million Digital and Creative Enterprises project, aimed at supporting Nigeria’s digital and creative industries, including the carnival sector.
Earlier, Kehinde Adegbite, Chief Executive Officer of the Abuja International Carnival, expressed appreciation for the Vice President’s support, outlining plans to partner with the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy to revitalize the carnival.
“We met with the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, who is creative-driven and agreed that we partner with the ministry for the project.
The carnival brings unity, empowers the youths, and helps discover talents,” Adegbite said.
