NAFEST Promotes National Peace, Unity – Fayemi
Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said the National Arts and Culture Festival (NAFEST) is an avenue for the promotion of national peace, unity and cohesion.
The governor spoke yesterday as the 34th edition of the festival opened with a colourful ceremony at the Ekiti State Civic Centre in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
The ceremony witnessed participating states in their traditional attires, displaying various indigenous dance steps during the match past.
Declaring the festival opened, Governor Fayemi said the cultural festival was necessary in the current national circumstance as the country’s unity was being threatened by socio-economic challenges.
The governor said the festival would further provide cultural integration among the states of the federation.
He described the NAFEST as a platform for the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to meet, showcase as well promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and diversity.
Fayemi, who acknowledged the unifying essence of culture on an ethnically diverse country, like Nigeria, said: “The state of our nation requires that efforts be intensified to revive our diverse cultures and enhance the potential of our arts to promote social and political stability.
“As a country with diverse cultures, it is imperative for us to take advantage of the innate strength in our diversity, and our vast human and natural resources, to build a united and prosperous country for the present and future generations.
“We have a rich culture that can be used to advance the nation’s economy, if properly harnessed.”
The governor said his administration had heavily invested in the development of culture far beyond performance and creative aspects to the realm of cultural re-orientation, attitudinal change and value orientation.
“Today’s event marks another fulfilment in our aspiration as a state to attract global attention and bring many stakeholders in the culture, tourism and creative world to Ekiti. I have no doubt that the economic, cultural and creative fortunes of Ekiti State will improve through this unique festival.”
– The Nation
