DIVERSIFICATION: CULTURE AN ALTERNATIVE TO OIL—DG
Zainab Tanimu —Kaduna
Culture has been identified as the best alternative for oil. Unlike oil, it is inexhaustible. If well harnessed the nation tends to reap twice the gains of that of oil. From whichever perspective one views it, culture still remains the symbol of peace and unity. The unity of Nigeria therefore is irrevocable.
This revelation was made by the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe during the opening ceremony of the 30th National Festival of Arts and Culture NAFEST, held at the Murtala Muhammed Square Kaduna on Tuesday.
The event which was declared opened by the Kaduna state Deputy Governor, Architect Barnabas Bala Bantex who stood in for Governor El-Rufai attracted mammoth crowd who went wild with excitements as they watch the colorful procession of states from across the nation show casing their various rich cultures. Kaduna state is said to be hosting the event for the fifth time.
The DG had in an interview expressed his optimism of Nigeria standing tall amongst the comity of nation. There is light at the end of the tunnel. He said.
Read on.
We are re awakening our consciousness that this country would remain united. What happened today is a testimony of the fact that we are together as a people and by the grace of God, this country would get better and all other things that have been bordering this country would Insha Allah by God’s grace is a thing of the past.
I tell you, culture is going to replace oil because oil is exhaustible while culture is inexhaustible. The time has come that we need to diversify and that is why we are vigorously driving to make sure that culture replaces oil.
Sir, you have been trying to attract investors into the sector, how much of this have you achieved?
It is very impressive. Recently we had about six foreign investors. What we are trying to do now is to make sure that we have a positive live for them in terms of tax reduction or tax rebate which is doing well in this sector.
What is the contribution of this to the GDP at the moment?
I must say it’s been fantastic. I can say 3.8% constant, in the next 3-4years, it would be about 6.7
What are other activities lined up to compliment what we have seen as to the quest for national unity that you have said?
We have a lot of programs on ground. We are giving out free skill acquisition so as to take the youth off the street.
