Managing the Cultural Resources for Development: The Case of Anambra State

Abstract

This paper buttresses the fact that effective management of human and material resources can make a positive impact to increase revenue generation for the cultural industry and contribute to national development. A combination of sociological, library research approaches and interviews conducted with economic as well as art managers were adopted for data collection. From the study, it is observed that cultural exchange and tourism can be used to attract tourists that will bring foreign exchange to add to the revenue generation for the economy. This can be achieved by having a fixed date for our festivals, carnivals, and traditional performances in dance-music such as Mkpokiti, Igbakwu, Atunyereogwu, Nwaumuagbogho, Nwanwaite, Egwu Iza and Igbo Cultural War Dance. Masquerades performances including that of Ijele Akwunechenyi, Atu, Ugo, Izaga, Inyinya, and Adamma are to be utilized to achieve this goal. It is also noted that the Nollywood films should be harnessed as well as funded to ensure quality productions to attract local and international patrons to the industry and increase revenue generation. Additionally, the utilization of human resources to put the economy at prosperity and growth can be achieved through the employment of qualified professionals to manage key sectors of the cultural industry for prudent accountability and development. It is also recommended that effective leadership capable of managing the economy and the people be employed to provide good governance.