The 28th edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture tagged NAFEST 2014 began today in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi state.
The one week cultural fiesta, which has its root from 1977 celebrated Festival of Art and Culture, tagged FESTAC, in Lagos, is attracting cultural troops from 36 states of Nigeria and the nation’s federal capital, Abuja.
This year’s edition of the annual cultural show is themed: “Celebrating Nigeria at 100: the Role of Culture as a Vehicle for National Unity.”
Declaring the festival open today on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo described the Festival as a reflection of Nigeria’s unity in diversity where all states in the federation display their rich cultural heritage.
According to him, the event is a platform for building bridges that can enhance the inter-cultural and cross ethnic friendships.
Namadi Sambo noted that festival is meant to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, enhance intra and inter cultural linkages, even as it also serves as a knowledge and reference point for the promotion of the historical and cultural experience of black people worldwide.
According to him, there exists a nexus between arts and culture and the economic growth and technological advancement of any nation, adding that the economic direction of the festival lies in the great investment potentials and attraction that it held out for the country.
“The sector avails our nation the economic development option with high capacity for economic empowerment, employment opportunities for our citizens, wealth creation as well as good returns on investment. It also habours the potential of making Nigeria a number one tourist attraction globally.”
In his remarks, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke said that culture is our common wealth and that it is important for us to cherish it.
He said that culture is a stimulus to national cohesion and development.
The minister commended the nation’s traditional rulers for upholding the cultural values which serve to reinforce the nation’s unity.
“Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand” he stressed even as he thanked President Jonathan for funding the movie industry in Nigeria. He appealed to the president to extend such magnanimity to other players in the entertainment industry, including the Musicians, comedians and entertainers amongst other.
The high point of the event was the march pass by contingents of participating states.
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