The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has advocated the inclusion of a fishing festival in the activities of subsequent Abuja Carnivals while pledging that the FCT Administration will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Information to ensure that the 2019 edition is the best ever.
The Minister said the inclusion would add value to the carnival, explaining that, “The FCT as you know is home to very large water bodies where, historically, in one of the areas, a fishing festival is held. So if we are able to plan for the 2020 or maybe even 2021 to incorporate a fishing festival, I think that will help”.
Malam Bello who stated this when the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed led a team from his Ministry on a courtesy visit to the FCTA, also commended his Information counterpart for the revival of the Abuja Carnival and restoring it to its past glory.
He described the new strategy to take the carnival to all parts of the FCT and not limit it to the Federal Capital City (FCC) as a welcome development that will not only boost social and economic activities in the areas but also showcase the unity of the country.
In his words: “We are excited because any venue where an event will hold will automatically create social and economic activities that will make the people active and will enable the movement of resources and upgrading of facilities. I think this will be the ultimate benefit apart from, of course, being a carnival meant to showcase and cement our unity as a country”.
While directing that the FCTA component of the collaboration will be supervised by the FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, Malam Bello also told his guests to avail the FCTA of the private partners for the Abuja Carnival project so that an arrangement could be worked out that would be mutually beneficial to all parties involved.
Earlier, Alhaji Lai Mohammed had solicited the support of the FCT Administration for the successful hosting of the 2019 Abuja Carnival.
He expressed the hope that with FCTA’s support, the 2019 Abuja Carnival, with the theme: “Culture for Peace” will involve all the Area Councils of the FCT.
The Information Minister who listed key areas for support, explained that the purpose for opening up the carnival to Area Councils as against what obtained previously was to let as many people as possible feel the impact of the carnival and also participate in it.
He revealed that the carnival will include a Command Performance which will take place at the Presidential Villa, contemporary music performances at the Old Parade Ground, Boat regatta at the Jabi Lake, Durbar at Kuje Area Council, masquerade festival at Gwagwalada, and Children’s fiesta at GDSS Area 10, Garki.
Also speaking at the event, the FCT Minister of state, Dr. Ramatu, Tijjani Aliyu assured that the FCTA would work with all stakeholders to ensure a memorable carnival.
The Carnival will hold from the 23rd to 25th of November, 2019.
