NAN-H-18
Carnival
By Martha Agas
Jos, Oct. 19, 2016 (NAN) The Plateau Government, on Wednesday said it would establish a carnival commission to boost tourism and youth employment.
Mr Eric Takon, the Chairman of the state’s Committee on the 2016 Jos Carnival disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Jos Office of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He said that establishment of the commission would be part of the government’s efforts at reducing dependence on crude oil.
Takon said that the 2016 Jos carnival would be a pilot project for the establishment of the carnival commission, which would be in charge of subsequent carnivals in the state.
The chairman said that the commission would engage a large population of unemployed youths in the state.
“Government is hoping to sustain the festival as an annual event and also establish a carnival commission as the event gains more popularity.’’
He listed the events earmarked for the carnival to include masquerade fiesta, mountaineering, children festival, biking and street procession.
Takon said that the festival would be used to tell the world that peace had been restored to the state, noting that Plateau was known as a haven for tourism because of the weather and its hospitable people.
The committee chairman thanked the state government and the private sector for collaborative efforts for the success of the carnival.
“At the end of the carnival, the state would have been projected as a tourist haven and promoter of cultural diversity of the over 52 ethnic groups in the state.’’
He hoped that the festival would boost the social, economic and educational status of Plateau people.
Takon solicited the support of the media to make the carnival a success.
“We appeal for your support in making the carnival a success, as we solicit for the partnership with traditional councils and security agencies to make the event a success.
In his remarks, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, the Jos Zonal Manager of NAN, pledged to support the committee before, during and after the event to make it a success.
He said that the event would have multiplier effects on the economy by providing a source of livelihood for the people, exposing indigenous fabrics, arts and artifacts, and strengthening the state’s hospitality industry.
Sheyin urged the committee to propose a date for the event so that families, groups and tourists would start making necessary plans. (NAN)
MAA/KOLE/IGO
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(Edited by Remi Koleoso/Ijeoma Popoola)