Midgets steal the show at NAFEST 2011

Away from the expected personalities and cultural displays, there were other dignitaries whom many may not have noticed or just ignored. These dignitaries were people who were not at the exalted rostrum where President Goodluck Jonathan (who was represented by the host governor, Liyel Imoke), former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Chief […]

Away from the expected personalities and cultural displays, there were other dignitaries whom many may not have noticed or just ignored. These dignitaries were people who were not at the exalted rostrum where President Goodluck Jonathan (who was represented by the host governor, Liyel Imoke), former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Chief Edem Duke and very many others sat on the official opening day. They were of below average height and were some of the dramatis personae. They were the toast of all. Indeed, the cynosure of NAFEST 2011.

Interestingly, these three midgets came to Calabar with different state contingents. From all indications, they were hugely important members of these contingents going by the regards they were all given.

No doubt, as it appeared, they were to play important roles.  Any wonder, their movements tended to be closely monitored when they attracted much attention and they were frequently featured in the contingents’ shows.

Weekly Trust was able to speak with two of the three midgets.  Perhaps the third was press-shy, he didn’t want to chat with our correspondent and before one could say Jack Robinson, he had passed between someone’s legs and into thin air he went.

Weekly Trust was initially apprehensive to approach Mr. Adewuyi Samuel directly going by the popular belief that many of them could be easily provoked because they (the midgets) are said to believe that normal-sized people tend to mock them.  And so, the writer appealed to one who appeared to be his companion to speak to him to chat with him.

Surprisingly, Samuel, a little over two feet, quickly yielded and cheeringly, too! The writer thought if he stood up at his over five feet plus to greet him as he danced his way to him as if he knew him before, perhaps Samuel would feel offended.   What if he squats to speak with him, would he be provoked, too? Not minding the outcome, the writer knelt and since Sam did not show any sign of displeasure but friendship, the chat went ahead.

“Hello, I am pleased to meet you! How do you do, my friend?”  With warmth and grace, Sam said, “Bros, am ok. You are welcome”.

There is no doubt that you are a Nigerian, the writer inquired. “I am from Kwara State.  I have been a member of the Kwara State Arts and Culture Council and I have come along with the contingent”, he said.

Explaining that he is a jovial person who is easy going and likes to socialize too, Sam who is 30 years old but could pass for one who is 20, said he finds it easy to put smiles on people’s faces; andthat is why he is easily accepted wherever he goes. “This gives me happiness too”, he said enthusiastically. Sam is barely beyond the knee-length of a normal sized person, and so his height makes him an easy attraction coupled with his jovial and playful nature. Everyone wanted to chat, play and take some snapshots with him. And he did not mind!

Asked if he is married, Samuel said he is still single but would like to do so soon as there are women who are fond of him.

Sam who says he is multi-talented took part in cultural dancing and drumming during the 25th edition of NAFEST.  According to him, he graduated from the Kwara State Polytechnic as an accountant and staying in Ilorin.

He explained that as a member of the Kwara State cultural troupe, he has travelled to many countries including Spain, Cuba, Gambia and the Republic of Benin and has met with former president of the United States of America, Bill Clinton and shook his hands. “I have also met with some other African presidents”, he added.

As an actor, his prayer is to break into Nollywood soon, having taken part in some dramas. Sam said he would again return to Calabar for the annual christmas and Calabar festival having done so during Donald Duke’s tenure.

Emmanuel Oma-Obaje is a few inches taller than Samuel and is older. He is 41 and yet single. “Very, very soon, I am going to be married” he said. Emmanuel had to obtain permission from his superiors before speaking to Weekly Trust. “You know I am a civil servant…” He came in with the Kogi State Council for Arts and Culture.

“I am an acrobatic, a dancer, actor and a good singer.  I have acted and participated in some national festivals since I joined the Council.  I have also been to several places in Nigeria”, he said.

Does he feel bad over his stature? How does he feel when people steal glances at him and make fun of him? “Oh no, shall I blame God?  I am proud to be like this.  My entire siblings are all very tall people. Whatever God gives you, you have to take; you cannot dictate to Him.”

“As you can see, I am the attraction here. It is like that wherever I go; I cannot feel bad.  People like me a lot; anything I do people admire and support me.  I am a very social and likeable person,” he said.

Emmanuel, like Sam, his contemporary participated in cultural dancing and singing. During the individual state march past, they led and stole the show so much that even ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo who was a special guest at the NAFEST 2011, alongside Ambassador Olusegun Olusola, the governors and top functionaries hailed their dexterity and acrobatic prowess.

In his remark at the opening ceremony, President Jonathan said the coming together of all the cultures in the country is the hallmark of grandeur that greatly emphasized unity of the entire peoples of Nigeria.

This annual cultural event, he said, illustrates the richness of the nation.  “Even though we may be as diverse in tongues, cultures and traditions yet we must speak unity through culture. This is the essence of NAFEST”, he said.

The 25th edition of NAFEST whose theme was ‘Nigerian Traditional Music:  A Vehicle for Economic Transformation and Unity,’ was attended by at least 27 states in Nigeria. Nasarawa is said to have consecutively participated in the event and has been the champion from 2007 to 2010.

The contingents came with flamboyant costumes.  Participating state contingents were not less than 50 in number.  States like Niger, Benue, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa, and Ogun paraded about 100 each.  The host state paraded cultural troupes from the entire 18 LGAs of the state.  Cross River State cultural troupe also put up a command performance during the opening ceremony.

Some of the activities at NAFEST 2011 took place at the Cultural Centre, Calabar.  They included traditional wrestling, traditional music and cultural presentations by the states, drama, children essay writing competition, NAFEST colloquium 2011/book fair.  Some of the NAFEST officials and contingents were later taken on excursion to some tourist sites in Cross River State.