By Muazu Osekalago

Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma of Nasarawa State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to uplift the arts and culture industry in the state so as to boost tourism.

The governor stated this, last week, in Lafia, when he officially welcomed the state’s contingent to the 2008 edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST 2008) held at Enugu, Enugu State, after a brilliant performance which saw the state emerging the over all winner of the festival.

Governor Doma said, "Nasarawa State Government is determined to promote arts and culture for the purpose of ensuring a viable tourism sector in the state."

He described culture as a veritable instrument of national development, adding that, if properly harnessed, the culture industry would contribute tremendously to the over all development of Nigeria.

"The development of tourism as a major economic activity that will benefit the people of Nasarawa State is part of this administration’s 13-point agenda. We will continue to support the arts and culture sector so as to achieve this objective," he said.

While welcoming the state’s contingent from the arts and culture fiesta (NAFEST 2008), the governor commended them for doing the state proud.

He described the event as "an emotion-laden one", noting that Nasarawa State has recorded an enviable feat in the field of arts and culture. The governor gave assurance of his administration’s commitment to support "creativity and all works of creative imaginations in the state."

Earlier in his speech, the commissioner of culture and tourism, Mr. Emmanuel Bako, who led the state’s contingent, attributed the victory of the state contingent to the support of Governor Doma.

He lauded the governor for supporting the culture industry in the state, assuring that the state’s investment in the sector would be utilized judiciously.

It would be recalled that Nasarawa State emerged the over all winner in the 2008 edition of NAFEST, held at Enugu. The state won the coveted price of the golden gong.