ONDOFEST 2018 will be replica of FESTAC 77 – Oshodi

The Ondo State Arts and Cultural Festival (ONDOFEST) 2018 which will be held this December will no doubt surpass the globally recognised Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) 77, which took place in 1977.

The Chief Executive of Oshodi Arts Gallery, Seyi Oshodi stated this in a press statement made available in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

According to Oshodi who is also partnering the Ondo State government on the hosting the festival, the ONDOFEST 2018 was designed to rejuvenate the dwindling interest in arts and culture among Nigerians, particularly after the FESTAC 77.

“After FESTAC in 1977, we haven’t really experienced a broad-brush cultural event that rolls out an all encompassing arts form in Nigeria, arguably, various attempts are made in isolation to either showcase a particular area of culture or to commemorate an annual occasions and most cases treated with foreign costumes and Western theatrical properties; therefore leaving room for mitigating criticism concerning the construct of our cultural potential

“ONDOFEST 2018 is designed to address various questions concerning our cultural policy, the vitality of Nigerian arts and downrightly demonstrate the powers of unity for nation building.”

While explaining that arts and culture is one of the ways of bringing about togetherness in the society, Oshodi maintained that the maiden edition of the ONDOFEST will in no small measure project the uniqueness of diverse and mixed cultural heritage of state to the outside world.

“This maiden edition is entirely built around the unifying factors and oneness which is very peculiar in Ondo and as a model to drive peace and unity in Africa’s most populous country-Nigeria.

“In terms of cultural mix, Ondo is a multi-ethnic state with many decades of peaceful co-existence. The State is peopled predominantly by Yoruba’s who speak various dialects of the Yoruba’s such as the Akoko, Akure, Apoi, Ikale, Ikare, Ondo and the Owo and a minority speaking speaking Ijaw.

“The State is a microcosm of the Nigerian nation, blessed with resourceful industrious and hospitable people. Her crop of the most elites has led to its being classified as one of the most educationally advanced states in Nigeria.

“This epoch festival will roll out much more about this highly educated, enlightened and talented people of deep culture to the world.”

“The Ondo Arts & Cultural Festival promises to bring together, the array of activities to narrate the fascinating history and the rich cultural heritage of this highly informed riverine people, their Fine arts, sculpture, fashion, theatre arts (dance, music & drama), exhibition, cinema, etc.

No doubt, the root of the majority of Ondo peoples is linked to the ancestral-origin from Ododuwa and by that authority, various cultural performances and arts presentations will be done by different (Yoruba) States from the West of Nigeria.

“Many other States from other regions of the country will be represented in this amazing experience. So much is weaved and set to thrill the African continent and world,” he stated.