The much anticipated 2016 edition of the Abuja Carnival has kicked off in Abuja with a fun-filled street show.
The street carnival drew thousands of FCT residents and contingents from across the states to a glamorous celebration of Nigeria’s culture and heritage.
To the participants, showcasing Nigeria’s culture and the fanfare, glamour, beauty and colour that go with it are what make the Abuja carnival thick.
From the popular Eagle Square in the heart of the nation’s capital, where the event was declared open, to the streets, the procession proved a beautiful sight to behold.
The theme of this year’s edition is ” The Creative Industry: Pivot to economic growth”.
Government officials said the goal is to leverage on culture to promote unity as well as drive the country’s economy through tourism.
Minister of Information and Culture who was represented by the Permanent Secretary said the move is in line with government’s drive to diversify the nation’s economy.
President Muhammadu Buhari who spoke through the FCT Minister declared the event open with an appeal to the international community to explore and invest in Nigeria’s vast tourism industry.
The 2016 Abuja carnival is the eleventh in the series and holds between December the third and the sixth when States with the richest of Nigeria’s culture are recognised and duly honoured.
