Minister For Culture, Edem Duke Battles Growing Accusation Of Wasting Billions Of Public Funds Over About To Kick Off Project ‘Fascinating Nigeria’

…alleged to be eyeing infomation man, Maku’s portfolio

Mr Edem Duke, the minister in charge of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation is fighting a hard battle.

He is fiercely striving to quell growing agitation against about to kick off multi billion naira project he initiated- Fascinating Nigeria.

The concept officially launches tomorrow, July 4 2013- but there is a rapidly growing campaign against the vision based on reason(s) of ‘unnecessary waste of public funds’

The initiators describe the project, identified as a national re branding, as ‘to re position Nigeria as the preferred tourism destination and cultural capital in Sub-Saharan Africa.’

Observers claimed it is no different from the abandoned similar projects initiated by past information ministers such as, ‘Heart Of Africa’ by Frank Nweke Jnr and ‘Good People Great Nation’ by Dora Akunyuli.

‘The difference is just a window dressing of the theme and at what cost? Billions of naira?’ a watcher analysed.

Investigations revealed, both Akunyuli and Nweke had expended billions of public fund on the programmes abandoned immediately after they left office – and sources pose ‘ what guarantee the same will not happen to the about to be launch replication by Edem Duke?.’

Further digs revealed, pocketful of groups operating under the loose title of ‘concerned nigerians’ have initiated campaigns at drawing attention to germane issues, beyond what is informally tagged ‘an undue jamboree’

According to a source, doing what they claim is ‘Parading Nigeria’s artists, musicians, performers, comedians, poets, footballers, fashion designers and Nigerian food in a branded Nigerian feast…with dignitaries drawn from far and near’ without enduring structures such as an academy, an enabling environment to promote and sustain the art is just wastage of resources and sheer jamboree.

‘Why are you promoting a culture, art, things that lack enduring foundation? What have you done to develop the very thing you are re branding?…those are the questions we should be asking, not supporting a platform for public money to be spent at will…an outlet for easy access of funds’ another observer blew hot.

Added information revealed part of the growing fight against the project is need for full disclosure of money spent and proposed budget.

‘Let’s look at the funds involved and let right thinking Nigerians put it side by side with the gains, and the nation determine whether at this point in our national life, with other economic and political issues at stake- even arts related ones, this is what is next’ yet another industry person challenged.

Related charges further claim ‘obviously the Minister for Culture is eyeing the portfolio of his Information counter part because, National re branding based on antecedents falls under the ministry of information and if you check, there is no involvement of the ministry of information!’

Both Nweke and Akunyuli that initiated such programmes were former Minister for Informations.

Findings revealed Minister Duke behind the idea using the company known as, Ancorapoint Ltd as front.

Insiders further disclosed, the Minister secured the endorsement and participation of the Presidency by leveraging on intimate rapport with Anyim Pius Anyim, the Secretary to the Federal Government and position of Nigeria’s Tourism Brand Ambassador bestowed on First Lady, Dame (Dr) Patience Goodluck Jonathan by Mr Culture Minister not too long.

Accusers maintain ‘obviously it is more of a case of using a billions of state funds to prosecute personal agenda’

With the growing accusation and campaign of replicating wastage of billions of public funds propelling the project off on a shaky start- it remains to be seen what can be achieved with it.

Here is a reproduction of the information release notifying the nation of the development

‘The Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation is
proud to announce the launch of Fascinating Nigeria. This new brand
is part of the Ministry’s vision to re position Nigeria as the preferred
tourism destination and cultural capital in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Attended by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria His Excellency Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR and hosted by Her Excellency the First Lady
and Nigeria’s Tourism Brand Ambassador Dame (Dr) Patience Goodluck Jonathan, this exclusive occasion brings together respected dignitaries from across the nation to witness the unveiling of Fascinating Nigeria.

‘The brand will be revealed in three stages, celebrating the Nigerian attributes of Warmth, Nature and Rhythm and culminating in a Grand Finale. It will showcase Nigeria’s artists, musicians, performers, comedians, poets, footballers, fashion designers and Nigerian food in a branded Nigerian feast. Alongside in the Exhibition Hall there will be the Fascinating Nigeria Exhibition and food expo.

Artists taking part include Iyanya, King Sunny Ade, P-Square, Tu Face, Ay and Omawumi

‘In a dynamic and diverse presentation designed to showcase the best of Nigeria. Nikki Laoye opens the event with the Nigerian National Anthem and the National Troupe of Nigeria will perform a dynamic routine for the Rising Sun opening.

Oriki poetry takes centre stage with cultural themed poems to the richness of the land and
its diversity. Nollywood delivers a star-studded performance and sport also plays a role as great football moments featuring Lionheart performances are recalled.

Nigeria’s heritage is revealed in glorious footage of some of the most diverse and culturally important sites such as the ancient city of Kano, the Yankari Game Reserve and the Osun Osogbo sacred grove.

‘Nigeria’s fashion industry is also embraced with an exhibition by FADAN (the Fashion Designers’ Association of Nigeria), along with an art exhibition showcasing the best ofNigerian talent.

President Goodluck Jonathan will address the audience about the economic and social importance of positioning Nigeria as a tourist destination. Other speakers include Chief Edem Duke, the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Princess Stella Oduah OON Honourable Minister of Aviation, His Excellency Mallam Bolaji
Abdullahi Honourable Minister of Sports and His Excellency Lyiel Imoke, the Executive Governor of Cross River State.

‘The occasion also sees the launch of Fascinating Nigeria Magazine, the exciting new publication that is dedicated to showcasing the wealth of diversity across Nigeria, from fascinating people and cultures to historic destinations, locations and contemporary events.

The launch of Fascinating Nigeria is designed, organised and promoted by Ancorapoint Ltd and is by invitation only. Launch sponsors include Heritage Bank, Osmoserve Global Ltd,
Famfa Oil, NTDC and MultiChoice.’