Ekiti state govermor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has expressed optimism that the 34th edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture, NAFEST which attracted global attention and brought many stakeholders in the culture, tourism and creative world to the state would also improve the economic, cultural and creative fortunes of Ekiti State.
Declaring NAFEST 2021 open, amidst colourful traditional March pass from diff states, governor Fayemi who described the festival as a bond of unity, a glue for uniting the people with various forms of talent expression said apart from sports, NAFEST was another unique platform for the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory to meet, showcase and promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and diversity.
Pointing out that NAFEST has further shown Nigeriia’s unity in diversity, the governor added that his administration has taken the development of culture far beyond performative and creative aspects as physical infrastructure have been put in place to promote cultural projects which has placed the state iin good stead to host such an auspicious festival as NAFEST.
Governor Fayemi said that the core cultural values as Ekiti people have been included educational curriculum to be taught in primary and post-primary schools across the State.
In a remark, the Director general of the National Council For Arts and Culture, NCAC Otunba Olusegun Runsewe said the the theme for the 2021 NAFEST which is ”Celebrating National Unity In Diversity” was apt and timely given the security challenges and pockets of ongoing separatists agitations going on in the country pointing out that there are more positive things that unites Nigerians than separate them.
Otumba Runsewe pointed out that the cultural festival also brought to the fore the role of culture in national peace and harmony as well as vast opportunities in the cultural sector including job crest, economic empowerment, skills and creativity.
This year’s Festival is loaded with twelve events including Children”s takes by moonlight competition, Drama , Adult traditional board games, Traditional cuisines competition, Archery, Fashion, Awards and visit of some tourism sites I’m Ekiti state.
Chioma Ezike
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