(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Alhaji-Inuwa-Abdul-Kadir1-300x192.jpg) Against the backdrop of Federal Government's efforts to transform the nation's creative sector, the Minister of Youth Development, Inuwa Abdul-Kadir Esq. has called on the organized private sector to invest in creative arts in order to guarantee the preservation of the nation's rich cultural heritage.
While speaking at the maiden National Children Arts Exhibition organized by National Gallery of Arts and Culture in Abuja, the Minister underscored the importance of the sustenance of the vast rich cultural diversities of the people of Nigeria stating that no nation that aspires to achieve national greatness can afford to ignore its culture and tradition.
He maintained that "no nation attains economic greatness without corresponding development of its culture and ethos documented, preserved and improved upon by its citizens." The Minister observed that, "in today's contemporary world, the struggle for cultural supremacy is as vital as that of its economic greatness."
Inuwa Abdul-Kadir commended the management of the National Gallery of Arts for pioneering the exhibition of children arts which is capable of attracting the interest of children and young people in creative arts as a platform for discovering and nurturing future generation of art icons. He also noted that the philosophy underlying the exhibition is not only symbolic but demonstrative of the high premium the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan places on the nation's arts and culture.
He reasoned saying that, "Our history as a people can only be preserved if we are able to increase the number of children and young creative artists whose vision and commitment will tomorrow define our identity as a nation."
The Minister therefore, implored all stakeholders and well meaning Nigerians to invest in creative arts which could provide the platform for discovering and nurturing creative talents in our youths. While promising to partner with the National Gallery of Arts for similar initiatives for the teeming youths, he advised the children exhibitors to imbibe virtues such as diligence and discipline in order for them to realize their life ambitions.
Earlier, the Minister of Tourism culture and National Orientation, Edem Duke disclosed that it was in creativity that our real essence is factored and expressed to the society. He expressed immense gratitude to the Minister of Youth Development, Inuwa Abdul-Kadir for graciously honouring the invitation as the Special Guest of Honour in spite of his busy schedule.
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Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria