By Fidelia Femi-Adedoyin
The Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Lawrence Ejiofor, his permanent secretary, Angalaere Umukoro-Prest, along with all the directors have shown great committment to this year’s NAFEST with their presence and support.
The Directors; Art Council-Patrick Clarke whose department is the anchor of all showcasing, GM tourism Board-Josephine Ogbolu, Admin-Vera Efenedo, Tourism- Ese Onokpe, Culture – Friday Anaziah, Arts- Dennis Uwawah, Entertainment- Clementina Chinwokwu, PRS – Karo Emeyese have all been present from the start of the festival.
This is nothing short of a commitment begging to take home trophies and so far, hope is rising as Delta stuns the audience at NAFEST with beauty, ingenuity and style.
The day two of NAFEST witnessed competitions in board games, Drama and Indigenous fashion featuring Delta among other States present.
Each event was meant to show case the theme “Celebrating National Unity in diversity” and each state was ladened with the responsibility of expressing this theme in very detailed and explicit ways using their various crafts.
Flagging off the drama event, the Director General of the National Council for Art and Culture, Otunmba Olusegun Runsewe (OON), remarked on the overwhelming effect of NAFEST on the host State, Ekiti.
He stated that it was a season of empowerment for the state and the town of Ado as business boomed in the hospitality industry as well as in transportation and other areas of commerce.
Runsewe therefore called for a conscious effort to keep the nation United as the benefits are numerous. He stressed on the need to deliberately change the Nigerian narrative of bloodshed and wickedness to one of peace, unity and prosperity.
He emphasized the need to tell our own stories focusing on the beauty in our diversity and reiterated that no one can make the Country better than we, the owners.
Appealing that we respect the fabrics of our culture, he concluded by saying, “Let us imbibe our own culture, it is sweet, it is rich, it is great”.
In a bid to give expression to the theme, the Delta contingents showed up with such ingenuity and colour that made all Deltans present, proud to identify with them. The drama was concise and straight to the point of the message.
The fashion parade showcased an elegant blend of indigenous fabrics cutting across the ethnic groups in Nigeria such as the akwa-ocha, Isi agu, aso-oke, Ankara, A’nger, and many others.
This activity had in it the potential of starting an indigenous fashion line worthy of exportation and adoption by various sectors of the Country. There is no doubt that Nigeria has a beautiful narrative that needs to be told more often to the world.
Based on today’s performance, it is safe to say that Delta is goning for the top. We keep our fingers crossed as we enjoy the colorful variety from other States present.