Lagos – Mr Qudus Onikeku, Artistic Director, Qdance Centre, has said that dance could be used as a veritable tool for cultural integration among several ethnic groups in the country.
Onikeku told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that dance could also be used to restore peace in the country.
“Dance is a profession that can be used to earn a living. Some people regard the profession as not worthy, but it has helped so many great countries to restore peace in them.
“It has also attracted millions of tourists to learn about the cultural heritage of those great countries.
“Dancing serves as a tool that can be used to bring about cultural integration between countries, ethnic groups and the others, “ Onikeku said.
The artistic director recalled that the just concluded Lagos trade fair gave Nigeria the opportunity to showcase several cultural dances of its ethnic groups to foreigners that attended the fair.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”70560”]
He said that several ethnic groups exhibited their cultural dance potential to the world during the fair.
“It also created avenue for foreigners to learn more about Nigeria culture and the peoples’ way of life, “ he said.
Onikeku appealed to the Federal Government to build more cultural centres in the country to boost activities in the entertainment industry.
He said that the industry was capable of creating millions of jobs for the youth, alleviate poverty, and boost the nation`s revenue generation.
According to him, the entertainment industry is fast growing globally and could contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s revenue revenue.
“So many talented youths are doing well in the industry; if the government can provide a befitting environment to boost activities in the industry, then the government will generate huge revenue, “ he said.
Onikeku urged the government to grant incentives to the practitioners to boost their business activities. (NAN)