Govt backs Black Culture Conference

THE Federal Ministry of Information and
Communications has endorsed the
Conference on Black Culture and
International Understanding, which would
be hosted by the Osun State government.
The event will hold between August 23 and
27, 2010.
The Minister of Information and
Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, has
also pledged the ministry's support for the
colloquium on Slave Trade slated for
Osogbo in August this year.
Both events will form part of the renowned
Osun-Osogbo Festival.
Akunyili made this commitment yesterday
when Osun State Governor Olagunsoye
Oyinlola paid a visit to her office in Abuja.
She described the Conference on Black
Culture as part of the re-branding campaign
of the ministry.
"Re-branding is not only about attitudinal
change, it is also about promotion of our
cultural values and tradition", Akunyili said.
The minister commended Oyinlola for
promoting African cultures and traditions,
noting that it was the good work of the
governor that made United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation (UNESCO) to recognise Osun-
Osogbo as a World Heritage Centre.
She stated that the Conference on Black
Culture would build on the gains of FESTAC
'77 by promoting Nigeria's cultural
treasures, as well as boosting the local
economy.
In his remarks, Oyinlola commended the
minister for being outstanding in public
service and sought the support of her
ministry for the conference and colloquium.
He assured Akunyili of his support for the
Re-branding Nigeria Campaign, stressing
that "Osun State is ready to collaborate with
you to make it a success".