How NAFEST 2020 rejuvenates Plateau, arts and culture

Jos, the Plateau State capital, came alive last Monday following the commencement of the National Festival for Arts and

Jos, the Plateau State capital, came alive last Monday following the commencement of the National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) which kicked off on November 21 and ended on the 28th. Daily Trust on Sunday reports.

As a festival that unites the nation, National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) is organized annually by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) to also promote creativity in the field of art, science and technology in order to ensure continuity in updating of traditional skills and sports.

NAFEST also serves modern development needs and acts as a vehicle for preservation, presentation and documentation of Nigeria’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

These aforementioned concept behind NAFEST was evident in Jos as the festival commenced. Different arts and cultural displays featured during the opening ceremony at Rwang Pam Township Stadium, Jos and rounded off with a golf tournament at the Rayfield Golf Club. Most of the events after the opening ceremony took place at Langfield Leisure park in Rayfield, Jos.

Attractions at NAFEST included traditional board games, archery, indigenous fabrics competition, children’s essay competition, cultural quiz competition, traditional board game, and competition.

Others events were choral music competition, traditional cuisine, children’s indigenous instrumental competition, children’s craft and command performance.

There were also non-competitive events which included command performance, cultural market, free skills acquisition programme, free medical services, and award presentation.

Themed ‘Post Covid-19 and Cultural Dynamism’, NAFEST participation was drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), NGOs, schools, institutions, as well as international agencies. By and large, the prevailing participation projects the festival as a national affair which fosters national unity and cooperation.

Many commentators on the 2020 NAFEST opined that Plateau’s hosting of the festival is ideal going by its tourism potential evident in natural formations of rocks, hills, waterfalls and lakes. Also, the state has a rich cultural heritage of over 54 ethnic linguistic groups and a favourable climate which has made it a preferred destination for local and international tourists.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, said Plateau State remains the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’, and that he is happy to welcome people from within and outside Nigeria who came to share in its rich blessings.

“The theme for this year’s NAFEST, ‘Post Covid-19 and Cultural Dynamism’ is very apt because it draws our attention to the current situation we have found ourselves in and how to make the best of it. In many ways, the pandemic has affected our lifestyles, making it necessary for us to seek ways of adapting to daily living.

“In view of the fact that our arts and culture represent the very essence of our living, we cannot allow the pandemic to erode the value and significance of this very strong pillar of society. That is why the Plateau State Government and the National Council for Arts and Culture carried out a lot of engagement with all stakeholders to secure clearance from the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 for this event to hold.

“We remain a state that is endowed with the best weather conditions comparable to none in Nigeria, which explains why Plateau remains the destination of choice for many who desire to partake in its potentials such as rich arable soil, breath-taking tourist destinations, abundant solid mineral resources and diverse but rich cultural variety,” he said.

Lalong said Plateau State also boasts of a rich history of producing global stars in virtually all fields of human endeavour, including sports, entertainment, performing arts, innovation, and the movie industry.

He further stressed that the state occupies a strategic and distinct position in the socio-political history of the country, having hosted other national historic events, including NAFEST, about 20 years ago.

“With over 53 ethnic groups, Plateau State boasts of diverse, rich and vibrant cultures and traditions that have fascinated and captured the minds of many around the world. Many people easily connect with some of the performing arts that Plateau is known for, such as the Asharuwa International Dance; Sombi Dance, the Vellang Dance Group; the Vwana Dance; the Jop-Jan Dungba; and the exciting performances of the Plateau State Cultural Troupe,” he added.

In his remarks, the Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and President World Crafts Council, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, said with the numerous and glamorous rock formations, fascinating topography, waterfalls and colourful cultural festivals, Plateau State has a lot to offer to the world in the area of cultural tourism.

He then urged all participants at the 2020 NAFEST to take full advantage of the festival and enjoy the friendly climatic condition and abundant culture and tourism resource in the state, adding that the event is expected to take Plateau State’s cultural endowment to Nigerians and the rest of the world.

Runsewe said since the inception of NAFEST in 1970, the festival has become a veritable platform for bringing all Nigerians, from all sections, together to showcase their cultural strength and consolidate the nation’s unity in diversity, adding that the festival is also regarded as the ‘Unity Forum’ which seeks to celebrate the country’s unity in diversity and enable Nigerians have first-hand understanding and appreciation of the cultures and traditions of the various sections that make up the country.

The DG who described the Festival as the flagship programme of the National Council for Arts and Culture said: “It is heart-warming that this year’s edition is taking place in the city of Jos, Plateau State which is known to be very rich in culture and tourism resources.”

At the opening ceremony where many cultural displays took place, some stars were spotted among which were Papa Ajasco. Other attractions featured spoken word poets, march past, acrobatic/magical displays and dance drama.

The success of the festival was hinged on the effort of the state government which was earlier revealed by the Commissioner for Communication and Information, Dan Manjang.

“To achieve this objective, Plateau State Governor and Chairman Northern Governors Forum, His Excellency Simon Lalong, has given marching orders to the Central Planning Committee to make sure everything is put in place for a successful hosting.

“The event under the Chairmanship of Senator Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Chairman, Senate Committee on Tourism and Culture also has Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, National Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as Special Guest,” he said.

A participant, Izang Christopher Ajiji of the Afizere dance group in the state, said the festival broadened his horizon as regards different people’s cultures and arts. He added that the festival has the potential of enlightening the current generation who are disconnected. “If properly documented, the festival will also serve as a reference point and cultural guide for generations yet unborn,” he said.