As Nigeria prepares for the Centenary celebration of its amalgamation in 2014, President Goodluck Jonathan has charged operators in the culture sector to promote national unity through their diverse and creative offerings.

Mr. President spoke on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 26th edition of National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST 2012) holding in Ilorin, Kwara State Capital.

The President who was represented by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, used the occasion to reiterate his commitment to and support for culture and tourism development in the country.

With the year's theme as Culture, Peace and Economic Empowerment, the President said it was coming at a time when all efforts should be geared towards political stability and economic empowerment.

"I therefore commend the choice of the theme of NAFEST 2012, given our present situation on the need to spread the message of peace, which is a panacea for national development."

Kwara State Governor and chief host of the festival, Alhaji Abdulfatai Ahmed, welcoming culture ambassadors to the state, said the impact of the event in the promotion of domestic tourism to the government and people of Kwara State cannot be over-emphasised.

In his remarks, Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, said his utmost desire was to reposition culture sector as a platform for economic empowerment.

The event which is organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) attracted participants from across 30 states of the country.

NAFEST was established in 1974 as a unity forum and a platform for reconciliation and national integration. Curtain will fall on the one-week cultural fiesta tomorrow.