NAFEST: 18 states light up Port Harcourt
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wike dressed in beautiful rivers traditional attire with a walking stick to match said the festival would serve as a unifying force for nigeria2 he noted that nefest provided a platform for the states to make the most of the nations culture adding that culture empowers humanity by improving inter-personal relationships2 he said that in addition to celebrating nigerias rich cultural tapestry nafest also provided the opportunity for cultural activism1 no fewer than 18 states are participating in the 2018 national festival of arts and culture nafest which was flagged-off by rivers governor nyesom wike amid pomp and ceremony at the sharks stadium port harcourt1 whether we agree or not our diversity is what defines and binds us as a nation under the glorious sun1 although our tribes and tongues may differ we are a nation bound by a common destiny and firmly glued together by the spirit of brotherhood cultural harmony and inter-ethnic solidarity instead of discord tribalism nepotism and sectionalism1 what is imperative therefore is for us to take full advantage of the innate strength in our diversity together with our incredible human and natural resource endowments to build a just united and prosperous country for the present and future generations1 wike also restated that the essence of the festival was to promote national peace unity and cohesion1 over the years nafest has become the veritable platform for the 36 states and the federal capital territory to meet showcase and make the most of our cultures and diversity1 the news agency of nigeria nan reports that the theme of the 31st edition of the festival which attracted the states has as theme nigeria our festivals our heritage1 according to him the festival provides creative images and expressions to engage our leaders on the politics of nation-building human rights regional integration inter-ethnic harmony national peace and development1 in his remarks otunba olusegun runsewe the director-general national council for arts and culture commended rivers government for making history for the people of the state1 almighty god will repay governor wike for his contributions to the peace that he is promoting1 runsewe said that because rivers was peaceful it had hosted several international and national events adding that outside lagos and abuja port harcourt enjoyed the highest air traffic and hotel patronage1 also mrs tonye briggs oniyide the state commissioner of culture and tourism said that rivers had fully prepared to host what she called the very best nafest since its inception1 the chairman of the event chief ferdinand alabrabra said that rivers remained the choice of all major national events because of its strategic peaceful nature1 the news agency of nigeria reports that states participating in the event displayed splendid cultures and dances at while the 23 local government areas of rivers also displayed their rich culture and tradition1 some youths spiced up the event with breath-taking calisthenic displays that thrilled spectators. nan1