Information Minister Labaran Maku has urged stakeholders of the forthcoming Abuja carnival to harness the economic potentials of the event, in terms of income generation and job creation.

He spoke in Abuja when he received Tourism Minister Edem Duke in his office ahead of the carnival billed for November 24. Maku advised organizers of the fiesta to draw lessons from FESTAC 77 in order to promote and guard African cultures from extinction.

He said his ministry will collaborate with the tourism ministry and the National Orientation Agency to give wider publicity to the event.In his remarks, Duke said President Goodluck Jonathan has directed that the carnival be transformed from the usual street parade and cultural performances by states, into a platform for expressing creativity amongst youths, which will translate into business enterprises.

He said Egypt, India, Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa and Namibia have indicated interest to partake in the show. Others are Ethiopia, Senegal, Cuba, Sudan, Ghana, China and Cameroon.