The Igbo Festival, which has been running for 28 years, is set to hold in Minnesota, United States, on August 10 and 11, 2023.
To enhance the recognition of Nigeria’s culture, approximately 45,000 individuals are anticipated to take part in the festival taking place in the United States of America.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Peter Egbudom, the Cultural Ambassador for Igbo Fest, highlighted that Nigeria is facing a challenging economic situation and is in need of legitimate foreign investment through tourism.
He emphasized that leveraging the country’s abundant cultural heritage can serve as a means to attract Foreign Direct Investment.
He said, “It is no longer news that Nigeria is facing the biggest economic challenges arising from diminishing internal revenues and inadequate foreign investments. With this frightening scenario, Nigeria desperately needs legitimate foreign investment through tourism potential.
“Our diverse cultural heritage has been left untapped for so many years. This rich cultural heritage can be harnessed to bring investment to Nigeria.
“Foreigners are usually excited about our cultural heritage, dressing and food. Our rich cultural heritage is an area where the federal, state, and local governments and private entities can come in and earn foreign revenues through tourism.”
On the number of people to grace the occasion, the cultural ambassador said, “We are expecting 45,000 participants for the occasion.”
Egbudom stated that the Federal Government is not involved in the organisation of the Fest, advising the federal and state governments to “set up a tourism board and give it adequate support in order to help boost cultural tourism in the country.
“Government needs to put more money into our tourism sites to attract foreign investment. They can also send Nigerians to other countries that are doing well in tourism and develop ours in return.”
He stated that the Igbo Fest Umunne Cultural Association in Minnesota has planned an array of activities to transform the tourism sector’s narrative.
These activities will include a festive gala night, captivating live saxophone performances, the Ada & Okoro Igbo pageant, and numerous other engaging events.
