The Director General National Council for Arts and Culture, ( NCAC) Otunba Segun Runsewe has said that this year’s NAFEST is designed strategically as a lubricator of renewed synergy by the Council and Lagos state government to reunite Nigerians for greater tomorrow.
He noted that the media have been talking about the need for Nigerians to remain united for the good of all but unfortunately no one seems to heed the advice .
“For a long time we have been discussing what divides us as a people, but the Nigerian media have been stressing the need for us to unite and celebrate what binds us together but we have not been listening. Interestingly, we do not have another country other than Nigeria” he stressed, adding
“So this year’s NAFEST is to open up a new synergy to unite Nigeria. We must not allow other people to tell our stories for us,” Runsewe further explained during the opening ceremony of the festival at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, formerly onikan stadium.
Over 29 delegate states participated in the cultural parade with Lagos, and Rivers State turning out the largest number of participants in each troupe. Various ethnic and cultural groups across the country were represented at the event giving boost to the aim of the event which is to showcase the rich and diverse culture of Nigeria , which is aimed at uniting the Nation.
Some of the dances and displays showcased at the event include the Agbo Remireke from Ijede, the Zangbeto Dance from Badagry (an official traditional police force, originally created to stave off criminals and protect the people), Igunuko from Lagos Island, the Apesi in raffia costumes and and the popular Ohaofia War Dance from Abia State.
