The Consulate-General of Nigeria in New York says it is determined to do everything possible to showcase Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage, sites and traditional festivals to the outside world.
The Consul-General, Lot Egopija, stated this at the inaugural Nigeria’s Cultural Show, which held at the Cultural Centre, Nigeria House in New York.
A correspondent of the New Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, with the theme “Nigeria: Our Community, Cultures and Unity’’, also showcased Nigeria’s cultural dance troupes, musical performances and cultural fashion displays.
Mr Egopija, in his remarks, said that the inaugural event showcased two of Nigeria’s foremost festivals – the Osun-Osogbo festival and the Argungu Fishing Festival – which hold annually in Nigeria.
Mr Egopija said: “A culture is a means to wealth which we have not explored fully. So the Consulate has thought it fit to advertise Nigeria cultural heritage and make Nigeria a tourist destination.
“We are focusing on two cultural events that hold in Nigeria yearly – the Osun-Osogbo Festival and the Argungu Fishing Festival.
“We are planning to have this event regularly so that people can be better informed and those who want winter ‘get away’ can also see Nigeria as a tourist destination.
“We are latching on the fact that people go out during winter to warm climates and we also want to corner some of these tourists to our country; that is the sole motive.
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“Let me assure you that we are working with Nigeria authorities to ensure that everyone who wishes to explore tourism sites in the country gets the best.’’
Sola Atanda of Endless Roar Tourism and Trade, who is a renown Ifa priest and President of the Healing and Teaching Temple of African Faith (HATTAF), who joined the event virtually, commended the Consulate-General in New York for promoting Nigeria’s rich heritage through exhibition of cultural festivals.
Mr Atanda said Nigeria has diverse good cultures, adding that it has been the culture of Osogbo indigenes to welcome visitors, emphasising that one has the tendency to misbehave when the culture is jettisoned.
“The culture of the people is the life of the people. Culture is our history; every culture is given by God, the way of dancing, the way of eating and the way of relating with one another.
