Abuja — President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua has said Abuja Carnival is a source of pride to every Nigerian, because it had impacted positively to the image of the nation.

Yar'Adua, represented by Minister of State for Culture and Tourism, Dr Aliyu Idi Hong, said this yesterday, at the closing ceremony of the fourth edition of the carnival.

He said the carnival is an expression of our cultural endowment and celebration of our identity best captured in beautiful displays that was witnessed at the event and expressed confidence in the ability of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to work towards development of the cultural sector and make Nigeria the hub of African tourism.

"There is no doubt in my mind that the Honourable Ministers would work towards development of the cultural sector. MDGs call for greater integration of culture and tourism as a source of wealth creation and employment generation," he said.

In what had been four days of cultural display of beauty, colour and elegance, the fourth edition of Abuja Carnival came to a close yesterday, with various awards given to best performers.

The carnival, regarded by many as the best ever, produced outstanding performances.

Durbar was introduced this year and was regarded as the best Dubar ever in the African continent.

Also, a foreign contingent from Egypt added colour and international status to the carnival.