August 17, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian embassy in Belgium has disclosed that it has perfected plans to hold the Nigerian Arts and Culture Festival at the Antwerp Cricket Center, Belgium, on September 2.
The festival, which is designed to promote Nigeria’s culture and boost the tourism industry in Belgium, would be held in collaboration with Nigerian community/associations in Belgium, and Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA).
A statement issued in Abuja, on Saturday, quoted the Nigerian Ambassador to Belgium, Mr. Obinna Chiedu Onowu, saying that the festival themed “Unity 2023” will feature arts and culture exhibitions, Nigerian dance, music, foods, and movies among others.
Onowu disclosed that officials of the European Union, Belgian, Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States, as well as other friends of Nigeria will grace the event, adding that the event is free for the public.
The cultural event will introduce Nigeria, its diverse culture, arts, and music to Belgian, African, Caribbean, and other communities in Antwerp. It also serves as a unifying factor, bringing together all Nigerian associations to celebrate the cultural values that unite the people of Nigeria, hence the theme “Unity 2023”.
He said Nigeria remains the most culturally diverse nation in Africa, and rich in songs, dance, drama, costumes, art and craft products, adding that “many Nigerians have distinguished themselves in the areas of music. Film, art and crafts have put the country on the global map.” Onowu also explained that the present administration in Nigeria is committed to the diversification of the economy and the development of the tourism sector.
It would be recalled that in June 2023, the Nigerian embassy in Belgium, in conjunction with Belgium Luxembourg Nigeria Chamber of Commerce (BLNCC), Afrinex, and A-Law, organised the Nigeria-Belgium-Luxembourg Business Forum, which attracted over 200 businesses in Europe and Nigeria.
The event brought together key industry players and government officials and focused on agric-business, renewable energy, health, construction/infrastructure, financial services, and other sectors of the economy.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
