The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has advised Non Governmental Organizations, NGO, to think out of the box and associate themselves with projects which people can easily identify with, stressing that there are many areas in the creative industries where such organizations can make their impacts felt.
Speaking when a team from Caires Grooming Agency, who are the organizers of Miss Heritage Nigeria, recently paid a courtesy visit to his office, the Minister charged the organization to come up with visible and identifiable projects that will empower and make impacts not just on the beauty queens but on the society as a whole.
Mohammed, who stressed that NGOs must fulfill certain legal obligations so as to be able to receive donations and assistance, said: “ You will need to register your organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, with clear objectives. That is what you set out to do. Because for you to even receive donations or receive assistance from any organization, you must really fulfill certain legal obligations. So that you can see your organization in a few years’ time become a strong NGO.”
While urging the agency to assist government in providing job opportunities, curbing social vices and encouraging youths beyond formal education, he commended the CEO of the agency, Ms Chinonso Emeka for her “courage, single-mindedness and your determination to make something out of life.”
The minister, who promised to endorse Caires Grooming Agency, CGA, directed the organization to work closely with the Heritage department in the Ministry, expressing delight that its activities fall within the purview of the department.
The visit to the Minister was part of activities lined up for this year’s edition of the Africa Heritage Awards event, where the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Mrs Dayo Keshi observed that some African countries are currently imbibing the Nigerian dress culture, though with some modifications. She, however, pointed out that the authentic and distinctive culture of Nigerians appears to be in their dress culture.
According to the DG, “It is indeed true that in the 60s,70s and even up to the 80s, it is easy to tell where a Nigerian is from based on what he or she is wearing. However today, we all know that there has been a strong integration of our dress culture to the extent that it is really difficult to tell where a Nigerian is from just simply by watching what he or she is wearing.
“This integration has provided a platform for our unity as a people which we display in our dress culture. We do hope that it continues to permeate right through the everyday life of the Nigerian. The authentic and distinctive culture of Nigerians appears to be in their dress culture.
“Our dress culture has moved into other African countries. A number of African countries today have taken on the dress culture of Nigerians and made it their own, though with some modifications.”
Speaking at the occasion which took place at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of CGA, Ms Emeka explained that the agency is out to make youths of the country to become more patriotic and law-abiding citizens, stressing that, “I am happy to announce that through the Miss Heritage platform, we will be creating 1,000 jobs for 1000 female youths in Nigeria.”
“Africa heritage award focuses on the integrity and credibility of institutions and organizations that have distinguished themselves in culture related areas, empowered the youths and demonstrated patriotism while Miss Heritage Nigeria platform is an initiative to improve on the educational opportunities through skill acquisitions, agricultural practice, entrepreneurship and leadership programmes,” the CGA boss explained.
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