The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially declared open the 2022 National Festival of Arts & Culture, NAFEST, on the third day of the seven day’s event that began on Monday.
Governor Sanwo-Olu declared the cultural festival opened by uncovering a local Calabash filled with local colanuts used to welcome visitors into a Nigerian home or community.
During his opening speech, the Governor urged Nigerians to elect only leaders who will protect the country’s rich cultural heritage and unite the country.
In his words “As political office holders continue to engage the electorates at this period, it is important to re-echo the message of unity and peaceful co-existence which NAFEST platform provides.
Rather than seeing the differences in our language and culture as a dividing factor I implore us to see it as one of our greatest resources to be embraced, celebrated and used to our collective advantage”.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also praised the efforts of the Director National Council for Arts and culture Mr Olusegun Runsewe and the Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Arts, Culture and tourism, Lagos State Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, for their tireless efforts in ensuring the success of the 2022 festival. He described the festival as a festival that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.
Also, at the opening, the Lagos state Commissioner, Ministry of Arts, Culture and tourism, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf marketed the tourism potentials Of the state to visitors and stakeholders.
“As the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, I want to implore everyone here present especially our contingents from other States across the country to use the opportunity of this festival to explore the abundant tourism potentials in different parts of Lagos State.
“Here in Lagos, our nightlife activities remains top-notch, being a 21st century economy. You have heard of the popular phrase “Eko for Show” which echoes creativity, pomp and pageantry peculiar to Lagosians.
This cultural festival, however, presents an opportunity for you to experience different entertainment shows in this city of excellence”.
The host state, showcased colorful Masquerades and dances from all the local government areas of the state.
Some of the dances and masquerades include the Agbo Remireke from Ijede, the Igunuko Masquerade from Lagos Island, Apesi Masquerades among others.
29 out of the 36 states in Nigeria have registered for the 2022 Eko NAFEST as at the time of the opening ceremony.
These states rendered a breathtaking parade where they showcased their rich cultural heritage in a colourful manner.
Some of the states are Rivers, Bayelsa, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Benue, Abia, Kaduna, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, Nassarawa, Jigawa and Katsina.
Other states are Edo, Kogi, Gombe, Delta, Kano, Zamfara, Osun, Kwara, Imo, FCT, Ebonyi, Taraba, Yobe and others.
More, states are expected to arrive before the festival which began on Monday, November 7, and will end on Sunday November 13, 2023.
Lateefah Ibrahim
