Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma of Nasarawa State has added another feather to his already crowded cap. This time, it came in the form of an award by the management committee of the Abuja 2009 Carnival.

Tagged the Pillar of Abuja Carnival 2009 award, the management committee of the carnival represented by Prof. Bakare Ojoh, Artistic Director/CEO of Abuja Carnival 2009, said the profile of Governor Akwe Doma as an artiste per excellence made him eminently qualified to lead the campaign for a successful carnival.

Prof. Ojoh who likened Governor Doma to Ronald Reagan of the United States said that the enormity of his contributions to arts and culture, as well as tourism in Nigeria, made him the first Nigerian artiste to rise to the rank of Governor of a State. He therefore conveyed the well wishes of the entire Nigerian dramatic arts community to Governor Doma in his new position as a pillar of the Abuja Carnival.

Responding after receiving the award, Governor Doma said he was humbled that his modest contributions in the field of culture and tourism continue to be recognised and appreciated, nationally and internationally. It is however significant that this recognition is coming directly from his critical colleagues in the profession, whose preoccupation is the pursuit of excellence.

Noting that the Carnival has become one of Nigeria’s greatest tourist attractions, the Governor urged that it should be nurtured and used to good advantage in the national effort to develop a viable tourism industry.

On his responsibilities as a Pillar of the Carnival, Governor Doma said, “I am fully aware of the enormity of the organisational arrangements for the carnival. Let me therefore, assure my colleagues that I would place myself at the service of the carnival and render any support that will be required of me for the success of this all-important event”.

The occasion was attended by performing artistes from the North Central Zone and top government officials.