Abuja — Handlers of the 2009 edition of the annual Abuja Cultural Carnival have disclosed plans to boost economic activities in the Federal Capital Territory during this year's outing.

Director of the carnival, Professor Bakare Ojo Rasaki told journalists in Abuja that the carnival aside serving as a veritable tool for rebranding the country, can be used to raise the quality of life of craft men, food vendors, taxi drivers and hotel owners, while the carnival lasts.

To this end, the carnival handlers said they are packaging a show for the Art and Crafts village to lure local and international tourists to the crafts expo.

On preparations for the carnival, Razaki said efforts are being made to control the content of the carnival through State directors to ensure a colourful outing.

"A carnival without tourists in attendance is a just a Jamboree," he maintained, adding that four banks and Nigerian Bottling Company, makers of Cocacola have indicated interests in sponsoring the carnival.

On budget, he said the carnival has a budget stressing that government budgets can never be enough for carnivals, as the private sector would have to support with funds.

He however said the committee has been having some challenges with adequate publicity given the time left to deliver the cultural package, and called on the public for support.