Reimagining Borders: Nigeria's Arts Festival Paves the Way for Economic Empowerment
By Lod Onyeji The Nigeria Customs Service's bold initiative, the Festival of Arts for Economic Development (FAED), is transforming border communities into vibrant economic hubs. The 5th edition, held in Idiroko Border, showcased the power of culture and creativity in driving economic growth and social change. FAED's focus on skills development and entrepreneurship has empowered participants to engage in legitimate businesses, breaking free from illicit activities. The festival's impact extends beyond economic metrics, fostering cross-border engagement and cooperation between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. Similar initiatives worldwide demonstrate the impact of culture-led development. Medellín, Colombia's cultural transformation contributed to a 90% reduction in crime rates and a 50% increase in tourism. Rwanda's investment in cultural tourism generated over $500 million in revenue in 2020. South Korea's cultural industries contribute over 6% to the count...
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