The Nation Newspaper

Tag: National Festival of Arts and Culture

  • Atiku reveals plans to boost tourism sector

    Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has revealed his plans to boost the tourism and culture sectors in Nigeria.

    In his recently released policy document, the former Vice President proposed to enlist the help of private sector in transforming the sectors into major earners for the country.

    The document noted the challenges of the culture and tourism sectors in Nigeria which include inadequate promotion of local culture, and poor support for arts and cultural centers across the country.

    It also decried the demonstration of Nigeria’s artifacts and under-funding of the tourism sector  despite the rich exotic landscapes and historical monuments the country is blessed with.

    He promised to “invest, along with an incentive private sector, to transform the culture and tourism sector into one of the big earners of foreign exchange as part of our strategy to diversify the economy.”

    Atiku also stated that his administration would revive parks and cultural festivals, especially the bi-annual National Festival of Arts and Culture.

    He would “promote local traditional festivals, so as to revive the culture and traditions of our people Revive National Parks driven by the private sector.

    “Each of the over 350 ethnic groups in Nigeria has a traditional festival to display or a special form of creativity to offer contemporary society,” the document said.

    Read Also: ‘Atiku should not take us back to era of squandermania’

    According to the policy document, Atiku would also encourage intervention fund and increase budget support for culture and tourism.

    He would “encourage States to develop tourist destinations to attract home based and foreign tourists. Advocate the granting of loans and grants to qualified practitioners.”

    “Encourage talented individuals to harness, and showcase abroad, certain aspects of our literary material and performance traditions.”

    NAN

  • Thrills of NAFEST in Rivers

    No fewer than 25 state contingents converged on Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, for this year’s 31st National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST). The theme was Nigeria: Our Festivals, Our Heritage. the colourful festival introduced new events designed to empower women, Assistant Editor (Arts) Ozolua Uhakheme reports.

    Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has urged Nigerians to come together and use culture as a rallying point to promote peace and unity, noting that every state is blessed with very rich art and culture. He said that Rivers State has the capacity to keep hosting NAFEST every year.

    He stated that the successful hosting of NAFEST by Rivers State is a testament to the fact that the state is peaceful and the people are culture friendly just as he promised to support the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) in her mandate to continue to unite Nigerians via culture.

    Speaking at the closing ceremony of NAFEST, Governor Wike said that NAFEST is not just a competition, but a platform to promote the culture of the country, saying that ‘I see NAFEST not as a competition, but a showcase of our diversity and cultural heritage.’ “Let us use culture to unite this country. The entire country is here and we are celebrating in unity.  Apart from sports, culture is the uniting factor in Nigeria,” he said. The theme of this year’s edition was Nigeria: Our Festival, Our Heritage. This year’s festival, which was described as a master stroke was not only about showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, as it also provided a platform for the meeting of political allies to show solidarity.

    The colourful closing ceremony was attended by many top government officials from across the states of the federation led by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, his Ebonyi State counterpart, Dave Umahi, Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu and Director General National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe. Some States Arts, Culture and Tourism Commissioners were also at the festival along with their culture directors.

    Governor Wike described Rivers State as the economic nerve centre of the country, which is the most peaceful state for investment and hosting of events.

    “With the successful and peaceful hosting of NAFEST 2018, we have made another statement that Rivers State is safe and secure. Rivers State has hosted the PDP National Convention, NAFEST and the Presidential Visit without hitches”, he said. He commended the Director-General National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Otunba Segun Runsewe and his team saying they have done an excellent job putting the festival. Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi said if politics and religion have failed the nation, culture will unite the country and enhance her greatness. He said that NAFEST Rivers 2018 will serve as a springboard for the greatness of the country. Otunba Runsewe said the outstanding Rivers Show proves that Nigeria is a great country. He thanked the Governor and the good people of Rivers State for the massive support saying he was impressed at the high level of peace and security in the state as against the falsehood propagated in some quarters that Rivers state is unsafe. Presenting awards in several categories to the winning states, Otunba Runsewe said this year’s edition has been the best NAFEST in recent times expressing hope that the next edition slated for Benin City in 2019 will live up to the standard set by Rivers state.

    Chairman of the events, Chief Ferdinand Alabrabra said that NAFEST 2018 did not disappoint as it achieved the core objectives of the festival. He said NAFEST 2018 has set a new standard by which future events would be measured across the country.

    Expectedly, the festival witnessed colourful closing parade by the states with performances by Duncan Mighty, a Port Harcourt-based musician who thrilled the audience to some of his hit songs.  The 2018 edition featured several components like free skill acquisition, indigenous games, traditional cuisines, children’s essay-writing competition, traditional wrestling, cultural market, free medical services, command performances featuring breathtaking music and dance among others.

    The 25 states and FCT that participated include Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Delta, Ebonyi, Gombe, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kano, Katsina and Kwara. Others were Taraba, FCT, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Rivers Edo, Kogi, Zamfara and Kaduna.

    Rivers State emerged overall best state winning the coveted D-G gong prize followed by Bayelsa State which placed second; Ondo State took third place, while Federal Capital Territory and Delta State emerged fourth and fifth place respectively. Also, Rivers State won the largest contingent prize as well as the best costumed state at the festival.

    Other winners include traditional wrestling: Delta, FCT, Bayelsa and Enugu; Children’s art and crafts: Kano, Katsina, Lagos and Ebonyi; Tales by moonlight: Ondo, Ebonyi, Rivers, and Bayelsa; Traditional board game (Ayo): Ogun, Bayelsa, Ondo and Delta; Traditional fabrics in contemporary attire: Bayelsa, FCT, Rivers; Dance drama: Ondo, Ebonyi, Rivers and Abia; Children essay competition: Ondo, Rivers, Bayelsa, and FCT; Traditional cuisine: Rivers, Delta and FCT; Most consistent state at NAFEST: Katsina, Gombe, Kano, Niger, Lagos, Bayelsa, FCT and Delta; DG’s  Gong for host state: Rivers; Largest contingent: Rivers with 480 people; Best behaved and disciplined state: Jigawa, Osun, Abia, Sokoto, Taraba, Edo, and Enugu; Best costumed state: Rivers, Delta, Edo, Kaduna, Bayelsa, Enugu and Ogun.

    In line with the festival tradition, the hosting right for 2019 edition was given to Edo State, who was represented by the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Mr. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero.

    The 31st annual festival,  which ran from October 20 to 27 was held in five centres namely Isaac Boro Park, Dr. Obi Wali Conference Centre, Rex Jim Lawson, Sharks Stadium and Port Harcourt Club and featured free medical services, waste to wealth training skill acquisition aside the regular cultural events.

     

    Governor Wike lifts state contingents

    Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike of Rivers State has raised the bar in the hosting of National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) by donating cash gifts to of N5million to each of the 25 participating states at this year’s edition, which ended last Saturday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital. He made the donation at the closing ceremony of the festival as part of support to the states for their logistics in participating in this year’s festival,

    But, Wike’s gesture remains unprecedented in recent time as many states find it difficult to participate in the annual festival, which started in 1970. Challenge of funding has continually reduced the number of participating states in the festival each year. This year, eleven states were absent at the festival.

  • Heritage Bank, Rivers to lift GDP via arts, culture

    Heritage Bank Plc has affirmed that it will continue to partner Rivers  State Government to make arts and culture a unifying factor and major contributor to the Gross Domestic Product.

    Managing Director /CEO of Heritage Bank Ifie Sekibo made the pledge during the 2018 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, which attracted 22 states.

    Its theme was Nigeria: Our Festivals, Our Heritage.

    He said Heritage Bank’s partnership with the state is informed by the understanding of the importance of Arts and culture as consistent sources of economic growth, during both good and difficult economic times.

    Sekibo explained: “The art and culture industry has become one of the major contributors to so many countries’ gross domestic products, and Heritage Bank is committed to supporting it because it is part of Nigeria’s heritage.”

    According to him, Heritage Bank has continued to make efforts in supporting ideologies like this, using arts as a tool to promote cultural awareness and to help younger Nigerians form a strong sense of National identity and peaceful co-exitence. He assured that the bank would always be driven by cultural heritage, as the initiative aligns very much with the vision of the bank, which is to help partners create, preserve and transfer wealth across generations.

    Specifically, Sekibo stated that if government at all levels adopt the right arts and culture policies and programmes it increase economic development in attracting businesses, creating new jobs, increasing tax revenues and promoting tourism.

    However, the MD urged banks to support arts and culture through investments in programmes that will promote economic development, jobs creation, and community revitalisation at the three tiers of government.

    Earlier declaring the festival officially open, Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, who praised Heritage Bank and other sponsors said NAFEST provided a platform for the states to make the most of the nation’s culture, adding that culture empowers humanity by improving inter-personal relationships.

    “Over the years, NAFEST has become the veritable platform for the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to meet, showcase and make the most of our cultures and diversity,’’ he said

    He stated that the essence of the festival was to promote national peace, unity and cohesion.

    “Whether we agree or not, our diversity is what defines and binds us as a nation under the glorious sun. “Although our tribes and tongues may differ, we are a nation bound by a common destiny and firmly glued together by the spirit of brotherhood, cultural harmony, and inter-ethnic solidarity instead of discord, tribalism, nepotism and sectionalism,” the governor explained.

    According to him, NAFEST provides creative images and expressions to engage our leaders on the politics of nation-building, human rights, regional integration, inter-ethnic harmony, national peace and development.

    In his remarks, the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, commended Rivers Government for uplifting arts and culture in the country, which has contributed immensely co-existing peace and economic growth.

  • NAFEST 2018: NCAC, Rivers State good to go

    Arrangements are in top gear to ensure a historic hosting of the 2018 edition of National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) in Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria.

    The Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, in a chat with The Nation said the council is fully prepared to showcase the glamour of Nigeria’s diverse cultures to the world during the festival which is billed to hold  from October 21 to 28.

    Runsewe was upbeat that 2018 NAFEST will be the best ever following the massive mobilisation of equipments and facilities including the mass exodus of stakeholders from all parts of Nigeria to Rivers State for the one-week fanfare.

    “A lot of visitors both from within and outside Nigeria are on their way to Rivers State and I can confirm to you that reports reaching us from the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) indicate that hotels are in for good business,” he stated.

    “This is a major boost and it is good for the economy of Rivers State and by extension, Nigeria because the massive participation and influx of people from all works of life will ensure very high commercial activities in the state.”

    During  the chat, Otunba Runsewe expressed his excitement particularly about the level of involvement by Rivers youths who are set to take full advantage of NAFEST 2018 in not only showcasing Rivers culture, but by also benefitting  from the numerous youth empowerment components of NAFEST initiated by the NCAC.

    He enjoined all stakeholders and indeed Nigerians to support NAFEST 2018 as a unifying force for cultural integration and harmony just as he affirmed the NCAC’s total commitment in projecting Nigeria’s rich culture throughout the fiesta.

    Runsewe concluded the statement by thanking the Executive Governor of Rivers State, his Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and the good people of the state for aligning with NCAC in its drive towards a successful hosting of NAFEST which according to the NCAC chief is a reaffirmation of the governor’s commitment towards hosting the best NAFEST ever.

  • Rivers approves revolving loan for civil servants

    The Rivers Government has approved a special revolving loan scheme for civil servants in the state without collateral

    The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Emma Okah, made this known to newsmen on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

    He said that the loan would be interest-free.

    The commissioner said it would be provided to civil servants who were in need of financial assistance.

    Okah said that civil servants were not expected to provide any collateral before accessing the loan.

    He also said that the State Executive Council had declared a state of emergency on trading on major roads.

    Read Also: Over 32,000 unclaimed driver’s license in Rivers says FRSC

    The commissioner said that street trading had negatively affected the environmental sanitation of Port Harcourt.

    Okah said that street traders had been given an ultimatum of seven days to quit the roads, adding that failure to comply would lead to enforcement by the government.

    He announced the inauguration of a National Festival Committee to organise the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST 2018) scheduled to take place in the state later in the year.

    The commissioner said that the State Executive Council had also approved the inauguration of a Water Board Committee.

    NAN

  • Our diverse cultures, symbol of unity — el-Rufai

    Our diverse cultures, symbol of unity — el-Rufai

    Gov. Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State on Tuesday said the diverse cultures of Nigerians should be seen as symbol of unity and must be used to foster peace and development in the country.

    He stated this at the opening of the 30th National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) in Kaduna.

    El-Rufai said Nigeria can become an international tourist destination if it harnesses its cultural heritage.

    The governor, who assured participants of warm reception in Kaduna State, said the festival, had been avenue to foster unity, tolerance and peace among Nigerians since inception in 1970.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the festival started with a cultural march past by states.

    Among those participating at the week-long festival tagged ”Nigeria Peace and Unity… Our pride” are Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, among others

    The Zazzau Emirate culture was on display on Tuesday as a durbar was staged for visitors.

    The Durbar was led by Wazirin Zazzau team, followed by the Emir’s mounted Troop and foot soldiers.

    The 23 local government areas of Kaduna State also took turn to showcase their cultures.

    Earlier in an opening remark, the Director General, National Council of Arts and Culture, Olusegun Runsewe, said “the festival showed that the country was one.”

    He added that participants from all over the country showed the unity of the country.

    “There cannot be Nigeria without the different nationalities that make up the country, that is why we must all work together to keep the country as one,” he added. (NAN)