by ….NOSA IDELE-OGBEIDE
In Preparation for National Festival for Arts And Culture (NAFEST) 2019, scheduled to hold in Benin City, preparations are in top gear and this is being done by the State government, Ministry of Art and Culture, Bronze casters and other Stakeholders in hospitality and tourism sectors in the State, as they set to create history in Edo State during the annual jamboree.
tlivemedia.com reports that great expectations is set to spin around this year’s National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST), which holds in Benin from 19th-26th October. As 35 states in the country and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and many more International countries will be featured during this annual Festival.
The top notch preparations was disclosed to Tlive media correspondent in an interview session with the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osazee Osemwegie-Ero,he said the state has secured the commitment of several countries towards NAFEST in a bid to project the ancient cultural endowments of Benin.
The Commissioner said, “Edo state government is set to create history in NAFEST 2019 because this is the first time Edo is hosting the nation-wide annual event since it’s inception in 1982 and it is expected to boost economic activities and also place Edo at the centre of the world, as a state that is rich in cultural heritage and royalty”.
Speaking with Tlive Media Correspondent, he said those in hospitality and tourism sectors are fully prepared as strategies have been implored to attract over 2 million art and culture lovers expected to be in the state for the event. He however indicated the state government’s readiness as neccesary logistics have been put in place to ensure a smooth hosting of NAFEST.
Osemwingie also noted that security strategies are being explored to ensure maximum protection of visitors from around the globe to Edo in respect of the festival and the ongoing renovation at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium will be completed ahead of NAFEST 2019 as the stadium will host the opening ceremony while the University Sports Complex would serve as an alternative venue.
“Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre will be used as cultural village with approval from the Oba of Benin, while Igun Street will be used as an entertainment village all through the festival because we intend to take advantage of Sakponba road and Igbesanwan Street which will be opened to only pedestrians”, he added.
Speaking about the clash in the date of the festival with the Oba of Benin’s 3rd year anniversary and birthday, Ero said “The date clash isn’t a coincidence as this shows that the event will be of double celebration and as well show the Oba’s love for the arts and culture of his kingdom. As the Oba is excited to receive everyone in the palace, and the joy of the Oba is when the palace is filled with visitors from all around the world”. He added that the 18 local government areas in Edo state will showcase their traditional cuisines at the 2019 NAFEST excluding other side attractions .
Also recently in an interview with Tlive media crew, during the 49th stakeholders meeting which held in Benin city,the National Council for Arts and Culture’s director-general Otunba Segun Runsewe, who accoutred himself with the rich traditional regalia symbolic of Benin royalty, said “that NAFEST will not only serve as a unity forum, but will also provide a major economic boost for Edo”.