Jonathan said this in Abuja on Monday while declaring open the sixth edition of the Expo, which has the theme: ``Leveraging the Arts and Crafts Industry for Job Creation and Economic Empowerment.’’
According to her, the Expo is in perfect agreement with Federal Government’s desire to change the productive capacity of the nation’s economy.
She said: ``it will also encourage the growth of creative talents and keep our women and youths productively engaged.
``If appropriately explored therefore, the sector can offer us limitless opportunities and potential of turning many Nigerians from being job seekers to becoming job providers.
``This important sector can help in reducing youth restiveness, while greatly increasing the contribution of the non-oil sector to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).’’
The first lady added that the AFAC was fast becoming a platform for craftsmen and women all over Africa and the world over to make contacts, interact, showcase and market their products, share ideas and concepts while building international co-operation and understanding.
``It is therefore encouraging to observe that this year’s Expo, which I can see has attracted participation from many African countries and the rest of the world, is one of the potent tools toward realising some of the objectives of ECOWAS and the African Union.
``In this context, it is my belief that the cause of promoting peace will be well served if the development of creative skills is given priority attention by effective policy backing and strong support through proper funding.’’
The president’s wife appealed to public-spirited Nigerians to continue to initiate programmes that would support the development of the skills and talents of Nigerians.
``This will help our youths to develop their natural and acquired skills, as well as to keep them off the streets. It will equally give them an economic platform for self-reliance,’’ she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 13 countries are attending the Expo, including Ghana, Mali, Sudan, Togo, Gambia, Chad South Korea, China and Pakistan.
Also, 17 states of the federation are represented, including Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ogun, Oyo, Katsina, Sokoto and Lagos.
Meanwhile, the venue of the Expo was beautifully decorated with various African and oriental arts, crafts, jewelry and ornaments on display.
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