NAFEST 2018 ends in style in Port Harcourt as 25 states show unity in diversity

The colourful display of the nation’s culture and tradition ended on a high-note in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, at the weekend as 25 participating states showcased the diversity of the nation at the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) 2018.

NAFEST 2018 which was described as a masterstroke saw Rivers State emerging as the overall best state of the festival. Bayelsa State emerged second place, Ondo State took third place, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) emerged fourth place while the overall fifth place went to Delta State.

Traditional musicians, cultural dancers, traditional acrobats and masquerades displayed during the closing ceremony at the Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt.

Top government officials from different states of the federation were led by the Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, his Ebonyi State counterpart, Dave Umahi, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, and the Director-General of the National Council of Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, joined thousands of spectators to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Governor Wike said that NAFEST was not just a competition, but a platform to promote the culture of Nigeria.

He said: “I see NAFEST not as a competition, but a showcase of our diversity and cultural heritage.

Let us use culture to unite this country. The entire country is here and we are celebrating in unity. Apart from sports, culture is the uniting factor in Nigeria”.

He described Rivers State as the economic nerve centre of the country, which is the most peaceful state for investment and hosting of events.

“With the successful and peaceful hosting of NAFEST 2018, we have made another statement that Rivers State is safe and secure. Rivers State has hosted the PDP National Convention, NAFEST, and the Presidential Visit without hitches,” he added.

The Rivers State Governor announced cash gifts of N5million to each of the 25 participating states.

Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, said at the occasion that if politics and religion had failed the nation, culture would unite the country and enhance her greatness.

He said that NAFEST Rivers 2018 would serve as a springboard for the greatness of the country.

The Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, in his own speech, said the outstanding Rivers Show proved that Nigeria was a great country.

The Chairman of the events, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, said that NAFEST 2018 did not disappoint as it achieved the core objectives of the festival.

He said NAFEST 2018 had set a new standard by which future events would be measured across the country.

Highpoint of the closing ceremony was the presentation of different categories of prizes to winners.

There was a colourful closing parade by the states, while guests witnessed a star performance by international musician, Duncan Mighty.