35th NAFEST: Delegates arrive Lagos

Ahead of the opening ceremony of the 35th edition of the National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST), in Lagos, some state delegates on Monday arrived  in their numbers.

The delegates were taken through the process of accreditation and accommodation  on arrival at the National Institute for Sports, Surulere, venue for the festival.

The festival with the theme, “Culture and Peaceful Co-existence”, will hold from Nov. 7 to Nov.13.

Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Chief Olusegun Runsewe urged the delegates to develop the spirit of sportsmanship and ensure they enjoy every aspect of the festival.

He said the essence of the festival was to ensure Nigerians across ethnic divides remain united and enjoy a peaceful nation.

He also advised all delegates to take opportunity of the platform to learn other cultures different from theirs and focus on creating a united Nigeria.

According to him, a command performance by the Lagos State Government will be held at 7.00pm to herald the festival.

Runsewe said the festival would feature competions in indigenous cuisine, children music; board game; children craft; children essay writing; indigenous fabric/fashion; drama and indigenous material for interior decorations.

Meanwhile, some delegates expressed delight and willingness to emerge overall winners  of the festival’s competitive events.

Adline Ibinabo, a troupe member from Rivers State Council for Arts and Culture, who will participate in drama competition, said “without doubts, Rivers will emerge the overall winner.”

Also, Harrison Soizari, a model from Rivers, said the state would step up to emerge first in the competitive events.

“I expect the festival hosted by Lagos State, known as the Centre of Excellence, to be an outstanding one.

“I am expecting a coordinated and well organised festival,” he said.

Security personnel were observed at strategic locations, ensuring the safety.

Restaurant operators within the sports arena also expressed excitement over the choice of the venue.