What befell Bayelsa state 19 years ago, repeated itself last Friday night. Enugu state lost the chance of hosting this year’s National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), Nigeria’s flagship cultural festival. The glittering lights and burgeoning economic activities in Coal City, that characterised its preparation for the hosting of this year’s NAFEST, suddenly lost their verves. No thanks to last minute postponement of the festival by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy due to state of insecurity in the country, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.
Few days to the opening of this year’s NAFEST, preparations and expectations were quite high. Enugu, the host state, reassured participating states of its readiness to host a memorable cultural festival like no other. NAFEST was scheduled to hold between November 22 and 29.
Like Bayelsa state, the notice of postponement of this year’s festival was not only sudden and shocking, but also destabilising to the organising agency, the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), the participating states as well as Enugu artists’ community.
As at Friday November 21, no fewer than 26 states contingents were on ground in Enugu including a trailer load of horses by Katsina state delegates who had arrived much earlier. Katsina was to hold a mini-Durbar at the festival. The 84-member team of the organising agency, NCAC, was also in Enugu by Friday evening to put finishing touches to the colourful opening ceremony on Saturday that never was. They had to return to Abuja on Sunday after a briefing by Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Ugochi Madueke on Saturday morning.
Among the states contingents that arrived Enugu on Friday were Lagos (100 delegates) Benue (120 delegates), Ebonyi (80 delegates), Oyo (120 delegates), Sokoto (70 delegates) Jigawa (120 delegates), and Delta (150 delegates). Others were Nasarawa (150 delegates), Niger (120 delegates), Plateau (110 delegates), FCT (60 delegates), Adamawa (70 delegates), Kwara (78 delegates), Ondo (50 delegates), Imo (100 delegates), Yobe (220 delegates), Osun (60 delegates), Abia (110 delegates), Cross River (80 delegates), Rivers (235), Ekiti (103) and Katsina (171 delegates).
Unfortunately, many of the contingents returned to their home states without a single appearance on stage leaving a trail of losses and frustrations. Some had to turn back on the way to Enugu. Michael Okpara Square and the International Conference Centre, Enugu, which wore new looks as venues of the cultural festival lost the opportunity of adding the festival to its A-list events.
The rhythmic dance steps of the various states contingents that would have flagged off the festival turned cold and still. The vibrant, energetic and acrobatic dance of Atilogwu dancers and its vigorous but seemingly effortless movements were missed. Mmanwu masquerade from host state, Enugu, couldn’t showcase its elaborate costumes and performances. And from Benue state, the popular Swange, a lively and rhythmic dance of the Tiv people, couldn’t find its rhythm and so for all the cultural events lined up for the festival.
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy on Friday night announced the postponement of the festival due to state of insecurity in the country. The decision, according to the Ministry followed a careful assessment of the national mood amid rising insecurity across various parts of the country.t
“In solidarity with affected families and communities, and out of deep respect for lives lost, the Minister, Hannatu Musawa, in consultation with stakeholders, has approved postponing the festival to a later date.
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“NAFEST has always played a powerful role in nation-building by bringing Nigerians together, strengthening social cohesion and offering a platform for cultural diplomacy and soft power.
“As one of the few national events capable of projecting a positive and inclusive image of Nigeria, showcasing unity, hospitality and national confidence, this year’s edition, with over 28 states preparing to participate, was poised to send a strong message of resilience and unity.
“However, given the current national mood, the Federal Government believes it is more respectful and responsible to postpone the festival rather than proceed while many citizens are grieving,” the statement added.
The Minister emphasised that the decision reflects values of empathy, national unity, and collective sensitivity. A new date for NAFEST 2025 will be announced following further consultations with stakeholders, including security agencies.
“The Ministry appreciates the understanding and support of participating states, cultural troupes, partners, and the Nigerian public. Our commitment to showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity remains unwavering and we look forward to delivering an even stronger, more unifying NAFEST at the appropriate time,” she added.
Reacting to the postponement of the festival, Enugu state government expressed disappointment and understanding. According to a statement issued on Saturday, Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Ugochi Madueke, said the decision was painful, especially when Enugu had concluded preparations to host thousands of delegates from across Nigeria. She stated that cultural troupes, support staff and officials had already arrived in the city in anticipation of the festival’s opening activities.
Madueke noted that although the postponement came at a time when the state was fully ready to showcase what she described as “one of the most anticipated cultural festivals in recent years,” the government understood why the Federal Ministry had taken the step. According to her, the escalating security concerns nationwide made it necessary for authorities to prioritise the safety of participants, visitors and residents.
While urging delegates, partners and the cultural community to remain calm while awaiting further communication from the Federal Government on the next steps, she assured that Enugu’s readiness had not diminished. She noted that the state would continue to work with all relevant agencies to ensure that NAFEST takes place under conditions that guarantee the safety and enjoyment of everyone involvement. She commended the efforts of Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy and the Director General National Council for Arts and Culture, noting that their leadership reflected a responsible approach in a period of heightened national concern.
She also commended the Governor of Enugu State for his support throughout the preparations and assured stakeholders that the state remains committed to hosting the festival once a new date is announced.
Recall that in September 2006 NAFEST was cancelled in honour of the military personnel that died in a plane crash in Benue state. Then acting Governor Goodluck Jonathan did the opening and closing of the national festival same day.
The plane crash involved military officers comprising 10 army generals, a lieutenant-colonel, and two wing commanders who were on a Dornier 228-212 aircraft. The officers were heading to the Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River state for a retreat.
Nineteen years after, the same fate has befallen Enugu NAFEST 2025 due to insecurity in the country, particularly the recent attack of the CAC Church at Eruku, in Kwara state and abduction of school girls in Maga, Kebbi state last Monday. Fortunately, 38 of the Kwara abductees and 51 Niger pupils were rescued by security forces on Sunday and have since returned home.
President Bola Tinubu reassured Nigerians of their safety anywhere in the country adding, “Let me be clear. I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety. Under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people,” he said.
Part of the fallout of the postponement is the economic loss incurred by many players in the creative sector. From travel to leisure operators, hoteliers, artists, arts and crafts dealers and food vendors in the Coal City. Their losses are better imagined.
Hotels such as Utopia Hotel, which accommodated some of the NCAC team from Abuja, only provided two night services before they returned to Abuja, thereby losing about six days revenue from lodging. Others such as Universal Hotel, Bon Platinum and Carlton Swiss were expectant, but never got clients before the postponement of the festival. In particular, Bon Platinum and Carlton Swiss were contacted for reservations, but didn’t get any guest.
