15 countries and 35 states would be participating in the Abuja National Carnival holding between Nov. 23 and Nov. 26.
The Deputy Director, Tourism Department, Social Development Secretariat, FCTA, Mr Jacob Areo, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Friday.
Areo said over 13, 000 people from different part of the country would be participating in the four-day carnival.
He listed some of the countries expected at the carnival include Jamaica, China, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Namibia and others from the United Kingdom and Arabian countries.
“We are expecting 35 states, including the FCT at the four-day carnival, while only Gombe state has not indicated interest in the carnival.
“This year, we have a large number of foreign countries that are going to participate.
“Last year, only three countries participated, but this year, we already have assurance from 15 countries to participate.
“Some of them have already arrived, while we are expecting more countries to arrive today,’’ he said.
Areo said all arrangements, including security, transportation, accommodation, provision of water and toilet facilities as well as traffic and waste management had been concluded for the carnival.
“We have already provided 15 schools that will be used as camp for various states that are coming; some of them have arrived, while we are expecting others.
“In the area of security, we have security sub-committee involving all security arms and member of security agents.
“They have been working and I believe they are on top of the situation,’’ he said.
The deputy director expressed optimism that the carnival was going to have multiplier effect on the development of the Nigerian economy.
The carnival, he said, would also have its positive effects in the areas of culture and tourism sector of the country.
“So far, we have about 13, 265 people coming from the states, I tell you, that is a huge number.
“Imaging this great number of people participating in various activities, this is a great avenue to promote tourism.
“Nigeria is our first target, if foreigners come in, it is an added advantage.
“If I leave Abuja, I should be able to go to another state to relax by these we will be able to explore.
“Let us explore our diverse cultural diversity, heritage and reach environment we are endowed with, that is all what tourism is all about,” he said.
He called for the collaboration of all residents and participants to host a carnival that Nigeria and African would proud of.
“We look forward to the participation of the residents of the city. This is a period for us to discover our reach heritage from all the states.
“In addition, all resident are enjoined to show their hospitality. Nigerians are hospitable people, we must also show our worth to the world,’’ he said.
Areo outlined programmes lined up for the event to include street carnival, polo tournament, durban, children fiesta, cultural night, masquerade fiesta, boat regatta, contemporary music fiesta, Art exhibition, among others.
The deputy director urged participants to put in their best because the carnival would not only be more than a social event, but a competition.
Source:PunchNg Online
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