The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji
Lai Mohammed, has lauded former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s roles in
successful hosting of the historic FESTAC `77 as the military Head of State.
The
minister, represented by Mr George Ufot, the General Manager, National Theatre,
said, “Indeed, the history of FESTAC ’77 hosted by Nigeria in 1977 will be
incomplete without making reference to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
“We all
recall how Obasanjo and other heroes of FESTAC ’77 rose above the pervasive
cultural intolerance that was prevalent at the period leading to the festival.
“I am
particularly pleased, because today’s programme is designed to honour an
illustrious son of Africa, a culture advocate and a true Pan-Africanist on his
80th birthday.’’
Mohammed
expressed happiness for the creative industry and economic content of the
programme for the commemoration of FESTAC ’77 by CBAAC.
“The
creative industry is one sector that can be a money spinner for African
economies if properly harnessed,’’ he said.
The minister
said that the celebration would also offer a veritable platform to intensify
campaign for continued cultural exchange, understanding and unity among black
and African countries.
He said that
it would also provide an avenue for the revival, recapture and update of the
cultural artistry and ingenuity of Africans.
Also, the
Director-General of CBAAC, Chief Ferdinand Anikwe, urged Nigerians to learn
from the Asian countries popularly called the “Asian Tigers’’ which had a
robust economy grown through cultural industries and creative economies.
“In
celebrating FESTAC ’77 @ 40, we need to look into the role of cultural
industries and the creative economy in revamping Nigeria and Africa’s ailing
economies.
“Permit me
to say that the current economic quagmire of Nigeria is the fallout of the
neglect of her cultural and creative industries.
“Nigeria is
very rich in simple things as pottery, leather works, textiles, blacksmithing
and a host of others,” he said.
Anikwe,
however, described Obasanjo as “a soldier, an ebullient administrator, a
successful farmer, prolific writer and a quintessential crusader for the total
emancipation of Africa and the black race.
“It is
curious coincidence that as we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of FESTAC
`77, the pillar and driving force of the epoch making festival is equally
celebrating his 80th birthday.’’
“FESTAC ’77,
also known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture
(the first was in Dakar, 1966), was a cultural jamboree held in Lagos, from
Jan.15 to Feb.12, 1977.
“The
month-long event celebrated African culture and showcased to the world African
music, fine art, literature, drama, dance and religion.
“About
16,000 participants, representing 56 African nation and countries of the
African Diaspora, performed at the event.
“Artists,
who performed at the festival included Stevie Wonder, Gilberto Gil from Brazil,
Bembeya Jazz National from Guinea, Mighty Sparrow, Les Ballets Africains, and
Franco Luambo Makiadi.
“At the time it was
held, it was the largest pan-African gathering,’’ Wikipedia, the free
encyclopaedia, is quoted as saying.
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