FG inaugurates Inter-Ministerial Committee on African Global Festival Nigeria

The Federal Government on Tuesday inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee on African Global Festival Nigeria (AGLOFEST) to promote unity among African nations and create employment opportunities for Nigerians.

Performing the inauguration in Abuja, Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said President Bola Tinubu approved the committee’s composition following a memo from the SGF’s office in response to AGLOFEST’s request.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AGLOFEST is expected to serve as a major platform for showcasing African culture and fostering economic collaborations across the continent.

Akume, who was represented by Dr Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, said that the initiative aims to engage Nigerian youths in cultural heritage to boost the nation’s economy.

He expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to diversifying revenue sources and improving Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through cultural and creative industries.

“The President, in his Renewed Hope Agenda, has identified various revenue streams to strengthen our economy.

“One of these is through culture, given Nigeria’s rich heritage. With over 250 ethnic groups, each possessing unique cultural identities, we can harness and market these assets to enhance economic growth,” Akume said.

He likened AGLOFEST’s vision to the historic FESTAC ’77, noting that expanding Nigeria’s cultural exchange to other African nations could yield significant economic benefits.

Convener of AGLOFEST, Mr Babatunde Alabi, expressed gratitude to the President for endorsing the initiative.

According to him, the festival aims to unite African nations annually to celebrate their shared cultural heritage.

“We have a diverse and beautiful cultural landscape, along with significant tourism assets.

“By leveraging these through AGLOFEST, we hope to attract at least 20 billion dollars in investments into the creative economy over the next five years,” Alabi added.

NAN also reports that the committee  has Sen. George Akume as Chairman and the Permanent Secretary, GSO as a Member and Secretary.

Other members were drawn from the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC).

Also, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of State Services and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun as members.