Colourful memories of NAFEST 2009

The fiesta, which is the brainchild of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), also recorded the highest attendance ever in the history of the Unity Festival. However, for the host too, it was an opportunity to re-launch the state’s bountiful cultural and natural attractions which were hitherto uncared for. The state therefore, aware […]

The fiesta, which is the brainchild of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), also recorded the highest attendance ever in the history of the Unity Festival.

However, for the host too, it was an opportunity to re-launch the state’s bountiful cultural and natural attractions which were hitherto uncared for. The state therefore, aware of the enormous opportunities, tailored the NAFEST opening ceremony to enable the state showcase its natural and man-made attractions.

The opening ceremony which took place on Tuesday, October 13, at the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium in Minna, was well attended by scores of enthusiasts who came to catch glimpse of the thrills.

Notable among the spectators were the First Lady Hajiya Turai Yar’adua; Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Bello Jibrin Gada; the Chief Servant of Niger State, Governor Babangida Aliyu and his wife, Hajiya Jummai Babangida. Also on hand were the governors of Benue State, Gabriel Susuwam; Kebbi State, Sa’idu Usman Dakingari; Nasarawa State, Aliyu Akwai Doma;  Zamfara State, Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi and deputy governors of Gombe, Taraba, Kwara and Niger states. Also present at the opening ceremony was the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NCAC, Mr Mwajim M. Maidugu and Niger State traditional rulers.

Before flagging off the ceremony, Turai underscored the significance of the event which she said has promoted unity in the country adding that it provided a platform for stakeholders from diverse background to interact and showcase their rich cultural heritage in a creative, friendly and celebrative mood.

She described the theme of the festival, “Culture and the Challenges of our Time: Cultural industries and Wealth Creation,” as apt considering the challenges facing the country.

Her speech set the tone of the fiesta rolling with an amazing opening ceremony tagged: “Voice on the Rock” showcased by the Niger State cultural troupe. The theatre presentation followed by colourful callisthenic performances highlighted the inherent potentials of Niger State and how the people (representing all the ethnic groups in the state) collectively came together and converted their potentials, among them the famous Zuma Rock, into tourist attractions. The artistic impression of the gigantic Zuma Rock was indeed, a master piece to behold.

The performances then ushered in the festival proper with stiff contests for glory in the six competitive events. The events are traditional wrestling (senior and junior categories), traditional dance and music, traditional moonlight games, food fair, exhibition of Nigerian dress culture and live presentation on stage and traditional circus. At the end of the eight-day contests, Nasarawa State emerged as the overall winner of the 2009 NAFEST. It went home with all the trophies and laurels reserved for the champion.

The second position went to Niger State while the third position went to Ogun State. Cross River and Delta states were tied on fourth position and the fifth position went to the duo of Gombe and Abuja states respectively.

Apart from the competitive trophies, specials awards were presented to participating state that excelled in the non-competitive games. In this category, the prize for the best costumed state at NAFES 2009 march past went to Cross River State, while the prize for the best behaved and disciplined trophy went to Delta State.  Kaduna State got award for having the largest contingents (350 member contingents) while merit awards for states that have contributed to cultural development through NAFEST went to Kaduna, Nasarawa, Ogun and Niger states.

Prior to the end of the festival, the Niger State government packaged an elaborate tour to tourist attractions in the state to enable participants savour the the natural attractions of the state. But the itinerary, which took place on Saturday, October 17, was not without a sour experience following a robbery attack on three luxurious buses conveying participants and journalists to Gurara Water Falls. The attack took place shortly after Lapai, a town in the state but that did not dim the splendour of the fiesta.  

However, for the residents of the Minna, the event was another opportunity for brisk business. Most of those who spoke to Travel and Leisure commended the organisers for hosting the event in Niger State. They wished the event to exceed the allotted days but regrettably, it ended on Sunday, October 18. While drawing the curtain of the event, Tourism Minister Bello Jibrin Gada said the occasion has successfully explored economic viabilities of the festival and it has also built new bridges of cultural affinity and national integration.

Also speaking at the closing ceremony, Governor Babangida Aliyu, represented by his deputy, Ahmed Musa Ibeto reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to promoting arts and craft. He promised to give particular attention to the development of the numerous tourist sites in the state.

While assessing the successes of the festival, Maidugu, during a media parley said the event has achieved its theme, as it has put food on the table of thousands of Nigerians in Minna.

“The 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory were represented in this year’s event and by this singular feat; we have recorded 100 percent attendance,” He said.

Indeed, it was a well attended festival. But now that it has gone, it has left many of the eyewitnesses with colourful memories to relish.