FG Pledges Support To Abuja ‘iBelieve’ Carnival 2024

Minister of Tourism Lola Ade-John has pledged his ministry’s support for the Abuja iBelieve Carnival, which is slated for November 7 -11, 2024.

The carnival will celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and showcase the exceptional talent that defines the nation.

Lola Ade-John, represented by his Special Assistant on Medical Tourism, Kelvin Ikegwuono, attended a press conference in Abuja on Thursday to herald the carnival, which has the theme “Celebrating Diversity and Unity in Renewed Hope.”

The minister said his ministry was already attending to the organisers’ requests by contacting the appropriate authorities and partners to participate in and invest in the carnival, assuring that more support would be given for the event’s success.

“The aim for the ministry right now is to see how we can drive people to come into the country to enjoy the wealth that the country has, the richness in its economy and in that way is not only to build the country, it will create wealth, it will create visibility for the country and also generate revenue for the country and also for the Ministry and for the potential investor.

“This Abuja iBelieve carnival is going to be a great success; whatever it is that will be needed, you will ask, our doors are open. We will give our support as much as we can, he noted.

Speaking earlier, the chief organiser and convener of the Abuja iBelieve carnival, Omoefe Tawiyah, said the activity was a public-private partnership aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s diversity, raising national consciousness, instilling pride and patriotism, and promoting domestic tourism, investment, wealth, and job creation.

He said the carnival is also aimed at promoting peace, reducing crime, eliminating inequality, providing employment opportunities, increasing skilled employees, improving social amenities, and eliminating communal problems.

“Platinum X Art and Media Ltd has received approval for partnership with the Federal Capital Territory Administration and is supported by the Federal Ministry of Tourism, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, along with other government agencies and parastatals fostering economic growth and development through ten distinct events spread over five days.

“The major goal is to bring a fresh ray of hope to Nigerians by presenting the country’s great tourism and entertainment industries while building togetherness, pride, and patriotism. The carnival aims to provide an amazing holiday experience in Abuja, promoting Nigeria’s immense tourism potential, cultural harmony, and unique rhythms.

“This carnival will testify to the power of collective effort and partnership. The present administration has underscored the significance of coming together as a society, recognising that we cannot solely depend on the government to meet all our needs.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasised the call for a joint effort to tackle societal challenges, urging us to extend our support networks beyond official channels. It is our collective responsibility to protect and nurture our young and creative minds, shielding them from negative influences,” he said.