NAFEST, A Tool For Economic Growth – MinisterABUJA, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has hinted that the annual National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) has evolved from being just an instrument of national unity to becoming a platform to help boost the level of economic activities in the country. “Indeed, festivals around the world are moving from just being a forum to showcase arts and culture to becoming a tool for economic growth. More and more people are moving from manufacturing concerns to creative concerns, and no country wants to be left behind. The Minister who commended the tremendous role played by NAFEST in consolidating the bond of unity among Nigerians, added the Festival still remains very relevant to national cohesion and integration. She said a special feature in this year’s NAFEST is a colloquium to brainstorm on how to make the festival a contributor to the nation’s GDP.