CBAAC crowns Obasanjo Ruby King of FESTAC

Former president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo will be crowned the Ruby King of FESTAC and patron of African culture in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of FESTAC which was held in Lagos in 1977.

According to the Director General of Centre for Black and Africa Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) Dr Ferdinand Anikwe the former president will be crowned in recognition to his valued contributions to the promotion and development of African culture and heritage as well as his role in the emancipation, unity and development of the continental and Africans in Diaspora FESTAC was held under Obasanjo administration as head of state.

According to Anikwe Ruby King is a high energy gemstone (precious stone) that is most desirable in ancient times due to its hardness and durability. It was a precious gift associated with the anniversary of
important events, it’s highly reversed in many cultures throughout history.

Ruby has always been a talisman of passion, protection and prosperity
and it also suggest, an inextinguishable flame within the stone that legends claim would shine through even the thickest clothing and could not be hidden.

All these he said best portray Obasanjo as the Ruby King of FESTAC and patron of African culture.

The event will feature serious activities which include expo/exhibition on Africa’ creative industries by participating countries and organizations, culture and traditional performances by
participating countries states and organization in Nigeria, international symposium/colloquium on black and African arts and culture and the 21th century imperative, documentary on
externalizing the spirit of FESTAC’77 by CBAAC . The arts exhibition is titled “Glimpses of FESTAC’77”. There will also be African food fair by participating states in Nigeria and traditional wrestling competition,
beauty pageant by participating states at the gala night and also a visit to tourist and historical sites in Lagos .

The second world black and African festival of arts and culture FESTAC’77 was actually hosted by Nigeria, between January 15 and February 12 1977. So far FESTAC’77 has served as a platform for historical and cultural renaissance.

During FESTAC, Black and African countries and communities come together in a large number that is hitherto unimagined, in solidarity and for the celebration of their rich cultural heritage. In fulfillment of Nigeria’s pledge to hold in trust all materials displayed at FESTAC’77 for better preservation, and to consolidate on the gains of the momentous festival, center for black and African arts and civilization (CBAAC) was established.

This has remained one of the
most fundamental legacies of FESTAC’77. CBAAC, through its numerous
activities such as exhibition, public lectures, conferences, workshops
colloquium, seminars, has been at the vanguard for the promotion and propagation of black and African cultures.

This year FESTAC’77 at 40 will be graced by dignitaries with senator Dr. Ahmadu Adah Ali, as chairman of the opening ceremony and Professor Union Edebiri, University of Benin, Edo state as keynote speaker for the colloquium. Also Admiral O. P Fingesi (rtd), Alhaji
Abubakar Alhaji, king Sunny Ade and many others will be in attendance as heroes of FESTAC’77.

Story by:Ediri Esiri,Uchechi Emmanuel and Theresa Tekenah