By Solomon Attah, Lafia
Hanatu Musawa, the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, has acknowledged the transformative power of culture, arts and creativity, in promoting national unity, social cohesion and economic growth of the country cannot be underestimated.
The Minister said, for Nigerians to take a sense of pride in their identity, there is the need for them to reflect their culture in all facets of human endeavours.
Musawa stated this at the 36th edition of the National Festival of the National Council of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), currently holding at the Arts and Crafts village in Abuja, the Nation’s capital.
According to her, Nigeria diversity is been celebrated at it peak at NAFEST, as compared to the previous years, with resilience and creativity for national development.
“This is a real opening door to something different when it comes to the topestry arts and culture, as NAFEST is now here to stay, it’s going to grow from strength to strength.
“And as we progresses, we hope to see more participation in NAFEST’, saying ‘this is an expression of our culture, creativity, arts and different traditions.”
“Our rich cultural heritage is a source of our strength, inspiration and pride for all Nigerians.”
She reiterated the commitment of the federal government to creating an enabling environment that supports the growth and development of the sector.
“We will continue to work tirelessly towards promoting Nigeria arts and culture globally, creating jobs and opportunities for our creative talents and preserve our rich cultural heritage for future generations”, she emphasized.
While describing this year’s NAFEST as amazing, Musawa observed that, the states participation exposes Nigeria to world of its rich cultural endowments.
“The different states representation make one feel proud of Nigeria culture. When you talk about diversity, there is nowhere you will see that more than somewhere like NAFEST.
“The different events which participants took part is amazing. And so, when you talk about Nigeria arts, craft, culture and creativity, NAFEST is really the place to be”, the Minister said.
The Director General, NCAC, Obi Asika, commended his management team, participating states and partners for making the 2024 NAFEST a success.
Asika said, his council, alongside other sisters agencies are working towards increasing opportunities and to expand the space for more participation.
As according to the DG, the strongest asset Nigeria has is the culture and the people “and if you empower the people and connect the culture, then the future can be monetize.
He revealed plan to build a 4000 capacity arena in order to bring the arts and crafts village alive, adding that, about 22 states are participating in the year’s NAFEST in Abuja.
Asika further revealed his intention his to make NAFEST more bigger that will connect young people, and this can be achieved when Nigeria big brands key into their initiatives.
The weeklong programme which commenced since 22 November, is expected to end Saturday, 20 November, 2024, and is currently holding at the Arts and Crafts village in Abuja.
Some of the activities taking center stage at this year’s NAFEST, as scheduled by the organizer includes cooling competition, cultural fashion and lifestyle, singing and dancing competition, wrestling.
