The annual Calabar Carnival has positively impacted on the country’s economy, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said.
He described the carnival as one that has grown beyond mere street procession to a venture that has also impacted on the unity of the country.
He described the carnival as a veritable platform for job creation and promotion of creativity among Nigerians.
The minister made the remarks in Calabar, Cross River State, on Saturday during the tour of some carnival bands ahead of yesterday’s flag-off of the Third Dry Run of the 2017 Calabar Carnival, a statement by the ministry said.
“What we have seen today is an industry that is making use of the abundant talents of Nigerians not just in dancing but even in manufacturing and creativity. We have seen the shoes that they are going to wear; they are made in Nigeria – the design and materials. So Calabar Carnival provides that platform to give vent to your creative energy,” he said.
Alhaji Mohammed highlighted the critical role of the themes of each band, which include “Climate Change”, “Bush Burning” and “Environmental Degradation”, describing the themes as topical issues in the global discourse on the ecosystem.
He expressed delight that the carnival has keyed into the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari towards promoting locally-made products in order to make the country self-reliant economically.
He also appealed to the private sector to show more interest in the carnival because of its huge impact on the economy.
