Festivals can transform Nigeria’s economy – Rector Poly Nekede

Basilia Igbokwe, rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri has said that Nigeria’s cultural festivals could become a major driver of economic diversification if properly harnessed.

Igbokwe spoke recently during the institution’s 3rd Inaugural Lecture delivered by Chikezie Okoronkwo, who was also honoured by the Polytechnic for his contributions to scholarship. The lecture, titled ‘Value of Festivals’, explored the intersection of religion, tourism and commerce.

Okoronkwo in his lecture broke down the importance of festivals beyond cultural display, highlighting their economic, financial, social and tourism value. He stressed that festivals are not limited to rural communities but are relevant to all Nigerians as tools for wealth creation and national branding.

The rector said she chose Okoronkwo for the lecture because “he has superseded what others seem not to have done”, and described the topic as “timely” and directly tied to the polytechnic’s push for wealth creation and applied research.

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She stated, “The inaugural lecture is that platform. It deepens town-gown relations, mentors younger academics, and elevates the scholarly profile of the institution”, adding that she had made a vow to institutionaliSe the lecture series.

Speaking further on the theme, the Rector noted: “Value of Festivals’ could not be more timely or more reflective of the lecturer’s expertise and of our national reality. Festivals are not mere cultural celebrations.

“They are living repositories of heritage, powerful drivers of tourism, instruments of social cohesion, and emerging catalysts for the real estate and creative economy.”

Moreover, she said that the lecture provided a scholarly framework for harnessing indigenous branding and national development at a time when Nigeria is seeking economic diversification and cultural renaissance.

“This aligns perfectly with SEDT’s mandate and with the polytechnic’s vision of promoting applied research that solves real world problems,” Cecilia Igbokwe said.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of a distinguished honour and an iconic symbol of the lecture to Okoronkwo by the institution.