The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports that Boat regatta lost its usual fun and excitement that complement the coastal states’ engagement in the competition at the Jabi Lake, venue of the 2016 boat regatta of the Abuja carnival on Monday.
According to NAN, the competition had very minimal spectators while competitors displayed their skills and dexterity in boat handling under high speed.
Mr George Ufot, the Director, International Culture Relation, Ministry of Information and Culture, told NAN that he was happy with the event which showcased Nigeria’s heritage.
“I think Nigeria every time. Nigeria is blessed with diverse cultures, thus we ought to see these diversities to our advantage, because in the diversities lie our strength for peaceful coexistence and nation building.
“We need to use the various cultural and creative potentials to empower and create jobs as well as wealth for the teeming unemployed youths and women in the country.
“This is line with the present administration’s determination to reposition the Culture and Tourism sector for economic diversification, in view of the dwindling revenue from oil,’’ Ufot said.
He also reacted to the low turnout of spectators, saying that publicity was made about the event.
“I disagree with the allegation that enough publicity was not done concerning the carnival.
“All government media were used including NAN, so why the turnout was low is what I cannot explain. Our people need to appreciate our culture and heritage.
“I appeal to the Federal Government to revert to the old venue, the old parade ground for carnival cultural display because of its proximity to residents.
“Eagle Square is not easily accessible; the cost of fare to the place is high for residents to afford this very period,’’ Ufot said.
Mr Sama Khan, a Cameroonian tourist, expressed happiness at the event, adding that Nigeria was a country of beautiful cultures.
Khan said that Nigeria was a beautiful place to visit for tourism, adding that since he came for the carnival, he noticed that people didn’t come out the way they used to.
“I understand many African countries, in short the world at large is going through some economic challenges, but in all we should try to celebrate our heritage.
He, however, called on the government to improve the security situation, adding that the news of insurgency was enough to dissuade potential tourists.
NAN reports that few other foreign tourists who could not express themselves in English Language beamed with smiles while watching the competition.
Mrs Inemo Asemowei, a participant from Bayelsa, said that Boat regatta had potential to boost eco-tourism.
“Boat Regatta in Bayelsa is a colorful boat parade. Its origin and definition come from history of the people in the south-south region, whose major transportation was by water.
“They had to transport palm-produce and other locally made goods from the hinterland to the coast, with long canoes with great skills.
“The idea is to celebrate the aquatic environment prospects that the local and foreign investors can develop.
“The country is blessed with enormous eco-tourism potential that if well exploited, will fetch the government huge revenue.
“China has been practising Dragon Boat racing as a cultural institution for more than 2,000 years, and it’s now an international sport, yielding foreign exchange for the country,’’ Asemowei said.
She, however, urged all tiers of government to harness the eco-tourism potential of their localities for economic benefit.
NAN reports that the Abuja National Carnival that began on the Dec. 3 will close on Dec. 6.
(NAN)