This is coming decades after the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture “Festac 77”, held in 1977.

Johnson, who made the disclosure in Abuja at the inauguration of the media launch of the festival in Abuja.

He said that the decision to host the festival in Nigeria was because of the West African nation had the largest film industry in Africa.

According to him, Nigeria’s film market potential globally is currently second to that of India.

“Nigeria is the home of the continent’s biggest stars in the creative industry.

“Consequently, Nigeria is the international destination to host what will soon become Africa’s largest creative industry event,’’ he said

Johnson said that the festival would provide the enabling environment for Nigeria’s creative industry to benefit from the economic value chain of the industry, and boost the nation’s earnings.

He also said that the festival would create employment opportunities for Nigerians, adding that it was also a platform to discover talents.

“The five-day festival will provide the opportunity for creative artistes, professional filmmakers, equipment manufacturers and the target audience of the creative industry to interact,” Johnson added.

NAN