Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The federal government and the governors of the South-east states have been advised to support the forthcoming Igbo Fest in Minnesota, United States(US).
Cultural Ambassador Peter Egbudom, made the appeal while addressing the media on the event scheduled for August 11 and 12, 2023.
He lamented that the country’s diverse cultural heritage has been left untapped for years, describing the rich Igbo cultural heritage as an asset which the federal, states and private entities can harness to attract investment and earn some revenues through tourism.
According to him, legitimate foreign investment through tourism potential will cushion the effects of economic challenges facing the country arising from diminishing internal revenues, inadequate foreign investments and excruciating debt burden.
Egbudom said participation by the South-east states in the festival will provide a platform to showcase the investment potential of their states to Nigerians and other countries in the Diaspora.
The level of participation at the festival is projected at over 45,000 guests drawn from all walks of life.
“The Igbo Fest Umunne Cultural Association in Minnesota will feature Gala Night of celebration, sensational saxophone live performance, Ada and Okoro Igbo Pageant, DJ Austin (AZ) and many more activities to change the narrative in our tourism sector.
“Foreigners are usually excited with our cultural heritage, dressing and our food. With the forthcoming Igbo Fest in Minnesota, Nigeria now has the opportunity to showcase its rich and diverse cultural heritage that will definitely promote tourism potential,” Egbudom said.
He disclosed he has reached out to Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo and intends to do same to his South-east colleagues to participate in the festival to showcase the investment potentials to the world.
He also added he has initiated necessary plans to reach out to the Chairman of Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to have synergy with the federal government on tourism potential.
