Abuja Jazz expo will boost economy, tourism - organiser

Mr Ado Ibrahim, the Chief Executive of Capital Jazz Exposition, on Sunday said that Jazz concert could be used to boost the nation’s economy and unite the country.
Ibrahim made the observation In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the end of a two-day Jazz concert in Abuja.
According to him, the Abuja expo is aimed at creating awareness about Jazz music as many people do not appreciate the music.
He said that the music could unite the people around the world, be they young or old.
``The goal we are pushing at is to make the event an annual concert at every second week of December, bringing together people from within Nigeria and other parts of Africa and also other continents.
``This will boost the economy of Abuja because the restaurants are going to be busy, taxi drivers will make money, hotels will be fully occupied and everywhere will be busy because it is Jazz weekend.
``It would also help in creating positive image for our country as foreigners will have the opportunity to know more about Nigeria, interact with Nigerians and erase past negative assumptions about Nigeria.
``This, no doubt would increase tourism activities in the nation's capital and improve our economy,’’ Ibrahim said.
He said that the expo would also contribute to building positive image for the country as its theme was `One Nigeria, God bless Nigeria’’.
Ibrahim said that the exposition assisted in creating temporary employment for youths, especially during this season of Christmas.
The event organiser said that being the maiden edition, the concert was a success.
He said that he planned to put in more efforts to address loopholes experienced this year.
Ibrahim said a better location would be chosen next time where there would no time restriction like the Millennium park.
He also said that publicity would be improved and people would be better informed of the concert.
He called on the government and private companies to key into building Jazz music and for sponsorship.
YemiSax Adeosun, popularly known as Nigerian Sax King, described Jazz as a genre of music that cuts across all cultures.
He said that in the past Nigerians thought Jazz was for the older generation, but now many young ones had opened their minds to Jazz and now loved Nigerian Jazz performers.
According to him, the Abuja Jazz expo is a platform that would boost Nigeria’s economy through tourism just like the Calabar festival and other international festivals.
Mr Tunde Osibamowo, a Jazz lover, said that he loved Jazz because it is pure music.
``It is pure and undiluted unlike the electronic fusion we have today by entertainers who are more concerned with the beats to dance to rather than the lyrics.
``I am glad that the younger generation now have interest in Jazz and that way, we know that it would not just fade out of our system,’’ Osibamowo said. (NAN)