Fayemi calls for promotion of unity, revival of culture as 34th NAFEST kicks off
By Zion Rufus
Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has called for the revival of culture amongst other innovative solutions proposed to address the “critical state” of the nation.
Governor Fayemi who pointed this while declaring open the 34th annual National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) as delegates, tourists, and visitors from across the 36 states of the federation gathered at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, disclosed that his administration has taken the development of culture to the realm of cultural re-orientation, attitudinal change and value re-orientation.
He shared: “As a responsible government, we are happy to host NAFEST because it is a symbol of unity for us as a nation. This is to let you know how we believe in culture as an instrument of change, capable of transforming our society and changing our socio-political lives for the better.”
Amongst other notable personalities, some of the dignitaries in attendance include Speaker Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye; Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi; First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe; Deputy Governor, Bisi Egbeyemi; Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Funminiyi Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Biodun Oyebanji; Head of Service, Peju Babafemi; and Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Rasak Ojo Bakare amongst many others.
The Governor added: “We know and understand that culture is one of the main pillars of development, for without culture, it is certain that development would be greatly hindered. The critical state of our nation requires that efforts be intensified to revive our diverse culture and enhance the potential of our arts to ensure social and political stability, both of which hinge on the viability of the economy.”
According to Fayemi, the cultural fiesta themed “Celebrating National Unity in Diversity”, further buttresses the importance of culture for national development and economic growth. He noted that the current economic and political state of the country requires concerted efforts and investment in arts and culture to give room for the expression of talents, as well as the promotion of unity in the country.
He submitted: “As a country with diverse cultures, it is imperative for us to take advantage of the innate strength in our diversity, and our human and natural resources, to build a united, just and prosperous country for the present and future generations.”
“The burden of our national commitments which has rested solely on the performance of our crude oil in the international market has continued to render the nation immobile. This calls for an innovative solution. Investing in culture is crucial to the general development of any society.”
Now in its 34th edition, NAFEST which is scheduled to hold till 20th November, 2021 was launched to unite the various cultural entities that form the celebrated diversity of the Nigerian nationhood.
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