VEECUBED community: Bayelsa Emerges Overall Winner Of NAFEST 2013

(photo): Bayelsa state has emerged the overall winner of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST 2013).

Yenagoa the capital of Bayelsa state came alive as it played host to contingents from the different states in the country for the 27th celebration of the National Festival of Arts and Culture popularly known as NAFEST, with the theme “culture, peace and national transformation”.

States in Nigeria converged in Yenagoa with an explosion of colours and attires, displaying their varied culture and tradition to foster a healthy exchange of culture which promotes unity in the country.

The states later competed against themselves, even though it was referred to as a brotherly competition; winners emerged at the end of the week long stay in Bayelsa state which climaxed yesterday.

The festival began with a very entertaining march parade of the different states, each making effort to knock off the other.

Then the speeches began which heralded the formal opening of the festival.

The Executive Director of the National Council of Arts and Culture, Mwajim Maidugu in his opening remarks said NAFEST has always showcased and propagated our collective heritage for national development

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke commended Bayelsa state, for hosting the event.

The governor of Bayelsa state, Seriake Dickson, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan expressed pleasure with the choice of the theme saying it’s in line with efforts made by his administration to transform Nigeria into a virile and prosperous nation while declaring the event open.

After several colourful cultural displays and healthy competitiveness amongst the states, Bayelsa state the host state was announced as the overall winner of the 2013 NAFEST on Saturday during the closing ceremony.