… as Fayemi describes culture as vital tool for unity, economic prosperity.
Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital was agog on Monday as contingents from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory gathered at the popular Ekiti Parapo pavilion in Ado Ekiti to celebrate the 34th National Festival of Arts and Culture in the country.
Declaring the Festival open, Ekiti State Governor and Chair, Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF), Dr Kayode Fayemi described the annual national cultural celebration as a vital tool for integration, unity, economic prosperity and political stability of the country.
At the event, where representatives across the states of the federation observed a cultural parade that reflected their rich cultural heritage in colourful attires and peculiar cultural instruments witnessed the staging of a melodious drama titled “Children of the rolling hills” that was orchestrated by the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.
Governor Fayemi, maintained that the current economic and political state of the country requires concerted efforts and investment in arts and culture to give room for the expression of talents, promote the unity of the country in its diversity and advance her economic prosperity.
Stressing the import of culture to national development and economic growth, he explained that, “culture impacts on economic growth by strengthening social virtues, creating trust which facilitates relationships and inspiring motivation that stimulates entrepreneurship.
“We know and understand that culture is one of the main pillars of development, for without culture, it is certain that development would be greatly hindered.
“The burden of our national commitments which has rested solely on the performance of our crude oil in the international market has continued to render the nation immobile.
“As a country with diverse cultures, it is imperative for us to take advantage of the innate strength in our diversity, and our human and natural resources, to build a united, just and prosperous country for the present and future generations.”
The Governor disclosed that his administration in Ekiti has taken arts and cultural beyond mere performance culture to the realm of cultural re-orientation, attitudinal change, value orientation and its integration into the State’s educational curriculum to be taught at primary and post primary level.
Dr Fayemi added that the national event was in fulfilment of his administration’s efforts at exposing Ekiti to both national and international attractions to woe more stakeholders in the culture, tourism and creative world to the State.
Earlier, the Director General National council of Art and culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe said that the program would serve as a platform to encourage unity of Nigeria, and to also promote the socio cultural heritage of the country.
