At ASOFEST’s closing, FCT Minister Dr. Mariya Mahmoud highlighted the economic benefits of promoting Abuja’s rich arts and cultural heritage.

The Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has underscored the role of arts, culture, and traditions in driving inclusive economic growth.

Addressing the close of the 11th Edition of the Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture (ASOFEST) on Thursday in Abuja, Mahmoud, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat, Mrs. Olubumi Olowookere, spoke on the region’s unique cultural heritage.

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With the theme “Sustaining the Renewed Hope Agenda through Efficient Management of Cultural Resources,” ASOFEST aims to promote culture as a cornerstone of the creative economy.

Mahmoud highlighted that the arts and cultural heritage of FCT residents serve as “critical tools” to transform the nation’s economy, promoting peace, prosperity, and national security through cultural exchange and creativity.

“The FCT Administration is committed to protecting, preserving, promoting, and showcasing our rich cultural heritage, diversity, and uniqueness to the world,” Mahmoud stated.

Through initiatives like ASOFEST, the administration seeks to preserve FCT’s Indigenous culture while embracing the diversity brought by residents who have made the region their home.

Dr. Mahmoud reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to showcasing this cultural wealth globally, noting that ASOFEST has become a platform to celebrate and share the FCT’s rich arts and traditions with a broader audience.

“The festival has afforded us the opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the people and residents of FCT,” she added.

In his opening remarks at ASOFEST, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike affirmed his dedication to developing the region’s arts, culture, and tourism sector.

Wike emphasised the importance of President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the FCT Administration, tasking it with harnessing Abuja’s tourism potential to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

ASOFEST, which concluded after two days of cultural exhibitions, remains a vital avenue for Nigeria’s cultural promotion, reinforcing arts and tourism as catalysts for unity and inclusive growth across the region.