All is set for this year’s National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) scheduled to hold in Benin city, the Edo State Capital.
The state’s government has announced that award-winning musician, Innocent Idibia a.k.a 2baba, will lead other Nigerian artistes to the festival scheduled to hold from October 19 to 26.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, the state is set to host a successful NAFEST.
In his words: “We are set for the NAFEST holding in the state. If you go around Benin City, you will observe that the city is bubbling.
“It has taken a colourful turn of branding, posters and billboards regarding the festival is everywhere for tourists to obtain necessary information.
“This year’s festival is going to have a Benin flavour, as it coincides with the celebration of the coronation of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II.
“So, we have the preparations for all of that covered.”
Osagie added that a longlist of both local and international artists would be in the state’s capital for the festival, reassuring that the festival would be a world-class event.
“We are very certain that we will put up a good show. Edo is the cradle of culture and arts in the country and we will ensure that tourists get a feel of our assets.
“Artists in Igun Street are already prepared for the festival, as they have promised to give discounts to those who patronise them during the festival.
“The Society of Nigerian Artists has also planned an exhibition to showcase the artwork of its members. So, we have a full bouquet of activities lined up,” the statement reads.