By CALEB AYANSINA

The Federal Government has reiterated its determination to exploit virtues of cultural heritage and other tourism potentials in the country, to foster mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence among the populaces. The Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke stated this in Abuja, while briefing Newsmen on the NAFEST 2013 tagged: “Culture, Peace and National Transformation”. The 27th edition of National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST 2013) kicked off in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital on the 14th  and will run to 21st September 2013 .

As usual, a whole lot of activities has been lined up to actualize the theme of the festival, which is regarded as  one of the biggest cultural events in Africa they include; Traditional Dance Music, Traditional Furnished Apartment, Children’s Story Telling, Essay Writing and Painting Competitions. Other events are Arts and Crafts Exhibition and Traditional Wrestling, Book Fair, the Cultural Market and a Colloquium component.

The minister noted that the seven days festival which features all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would no doubt “encourage healthy interaction that will lead to the building of bridges of understanding, harmony and peace, needed, more than before, in our quest to transform our economy.”

According to him, “We believe that the Cultural Market will further enhance the exchange of ideas among our craftsmen and women in the production, marketing and promotion of cultural products and services, thus enhancing the economic viability of the cultural sector, increasing productivity, empowering our people and creating jobs.

I therefore urge all and sundry to reflect upon and employ the virtues of our cultural heritage towards promoting understanding and peaceful co-existence as there is no alternative to peace if we must achieve the strategic plan of transforming and developing the country in the light of the expectations of the founding fathers.”

Duke expressed confidence that “given the antecedents of Bayelsa State in hosting national and international events of similar magnitude, amongst which are the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and the Most Beautiful Girl Pageant, I have no doubt in assuring you that the Government and good people of the State are fully prepared to host the nation”, urging Governor Seriake Dickson led administration to do all within its power, to do the nation proud.

The Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Mr. Malgwi MaIdugu explained that NAFEST was designed “to mobilize people towards a practical demonstration of our diverse cultural heritage, in order to forge national unity through cultural integration”