The government of Nigeria will spend $618 million on a project called iDICE. This project will help grow Nigeria’s creative industries, like carnivals. Vice-President Kashim Shettima announced this when he met with people from the Abuja International Carnival at the Presidential Villa.
This project aims to help different parts of the digital and creative industries grow, especially carnivals. These events are fun, colorful, and bring people together. For example, in Brazil, the Rio Carnival is very famous and earns a lot of money by attracting many tourists each year.
Vice-President Shettima said that the carnival industry is not just about having fun. It’s also good for the economy and helps people feel connected and unified. He mentioned that worldwide, the carnival market is worth $5 billion.
Importance of Culture
The Vice-President also promised that the government will support young people in creative jobs and businesses. He talked about how the Calabar Carnival is a big part of the culture for the Efik/Ibibio people, making it important for tradition and community.
- Shettima encouraged the group from Abuja to work hard to bring back the excitement of the Abuja carnival. He recalled that Abuja’s carnival used to be a large and important event.
- The leader of the Abuja carnival group, Kehinde Adegbite, appreciated the Vice President’s help. He said they will work with the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy to make the carnival great again.
Adegbite explained that they met with Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy. She supports creativity and wants the ministry to help with the carnival project. The carnival helps young people find jobs, show their talents, and feel proud of their culture.
Exciting Carnival News
Organizers of the Idoma International Carnival have chosen “The Rhythm of Our Heritage” as the theme for 2024. This big party, celebrating the Idoma culture, will happen from December 23 to 26, 2024, in Otukpo, Benue State. This is their 12th year holding this festival, celebrated as the biggest street party in northern Nigeria.
- People from all over Nigeria and the world come to this carnival, making it an important event for sharing Idoma culture.
Similarly, the Ogbomoso Cradles Carnival is set to happen from December 19 to 24 this year. Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the leader in Ogbomoso, believes this festival will attract many visitors and showcase Nigerian culture.