NAFEST 2024: Bayelsa crowned champion as FG assures creatives of more jobs

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has reiterated the ministry’s commitment to providing more opportunities for creatives throughout Nigeria.

She emphasised the vital role of culture as a driving force for national development, fostering unity, social cohesion and economic growth.

The minister, who was represented by the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board, Dr Shaibu Husseini, disclosed this at the just concluded 36th edition of the National Festival for Art and Culture (NAFEST) held at the Art and Craft Village, Wuse, Abuja.

Musawa encouraged the creatives who passionately displayed their artistry, stressing the importance of patriotism in their work.

“I am committed to creating an enabling environment that supports the growth and development of the creative sector. We will continue to work tirelessly to promote Nigerian arts and culture, globally, create jobs and opportunities for our creative talent, and preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage for future generations,” she said.

The week-long celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage brought together participants from various states across the country that showcased an impressive variety of talent and creativity.

The Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Chief Obi Asika, emphasised the significance of the festival as a vibrant celebration of shared cultural heritage.

He accentuated the theme, ‘Connected Culture’, which reflects the festival’s mission to showcase the myriad commonalities that unite through cultural expressions.

“This is our first NAFEST, we hope we did greatly, I am sure we did,” he said.

The festival was structured into two main categories: Competitive and non-competitive events, allowing for a diverse representation of Nigeria’s artistic expressions.

The competitive event featured an exciting lineup of activities designed to highlight both traditional and contemporary Nigerian culture. The participating states showcased their skills in a range of disciplines, including children’s storytelling, which captivated audiences with imaginative narratives. Traditional Board Games, such as Ayo, engaged players in strategic gameplay steeped in history. The robust traditional wrestling and Dambe boxing matches drew enthusiastic crowds, who showcased their strength and skill.

Archery demonstrated precision and focus, while the Sing-Off Naija and Dance-Off Naija events brought vibrant musical and dance performances to the forefront. The highly competitive Jollof Wars tantalised taste buds as culinary experts battled for the title of the best Jollof rice, a staple dish cherished across the country.

Additionally, students participated in the Culture Quiz Competitions for Secondary Schools and the Children’s Essay Writing Competitions, fostering a spirit of learning and appreciation for cultural heritage. Other events include the Swag Show, celebrating fashion.

The Children’s Arts & Craft Competition, and the National Competition on the Use of Nigerian Indigenous Materials for Interior Decorations, each emphasising the importance of local materials and creativity in contemporary design.

On the other hand, the Non-Competitive Events offered a platform for cultural exchange and appreciation, featuring the Official Opening and Closing Ceremonies, where dignitaries gathered to celebrate the festival’s achievements.

A colloquium focused on enlightening conversations about culture, while the command erformance showcased outstanding artistic talents from various regions. The premiere of the captivating play, Ibe Ji Mma, added a theatrical flair to the festivities.

Further enriching the festival experience were initiatives like the Creative Economy Town Hall, where industry leaders shared insights and innovations, and the Arts and Crafts Cultural Market/Exhibition, a vibrant space showcasing artisans and their creations. The Creative Leap Accelerator Programme (CLAP) aimed at nurturing creative talents and fostering entrepreneurship in the arts. The NAFEST Book Fair Panel provided a platform for authors and readers to connect, discuss literature and celebrate Nigerian storytelling.