Rivers State is set to host the 2018 edition of National Arts and Culture Festival.
The state governor, Nyeson Wike, said it is his pleasure to host this edition of the festival as part of his plans to develop the state’s tourism and culture sector.
The tourism and creative industry have not be left out of this gesture with the recently commissioning of the newly built ultra modern cultural centre at the heart of the city, which was formerly known as Obi Wali Cultural Centre. The once abandoned complex has now been transformed into a colourful and appealing centre, with inviting architectural piece that has been infused with sophisticated amenities of all sorts.
With the state billed to host this year’s National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) in the coming days, indications are the state is set to host the best and most colourful and entertaining NAFEST ever, set to beat the record that was set last year by the Kaduna State government, which was commended by the organisers of the event, the National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC), stakeholders and the general public for a successful fiesta.
Going forward and in line with the dream and desire of the Director General of NCAC, Otunba Segun Runsewe, to keep improving on the quality of the annual cultural festival, especially in the area of adding value to the creative industry and empowering the public, Governor Wike is said to have promised to deliver on the goals of the festival and surpass whatever record that has been set in the past.
With the recent commissioning of the cultural centre, which is scheduled to be the venue for the one week long event, indications are that participants and NCAC should expect a most thrilling and successful gathering that will enjoy the personal touches of the governor, who is said to be committed to hosting the festival and using it to make a statement about the cultural wealth of the state and its leading position when it comes to tourism and creative industry.
This fact was led credence to by the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Tonye Briggs Oniyide, when on the occasion of formal commissioning ceremony she the centre as a game changer, adding that the state is gearing up for the forthcoming National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST).
In terms of facilities, the edifice, which has1800 seating capacity auditorium, features 48 guest rooms, 34 offices, governors’ lounge, media Centre, conference hall, two meeting rooms, five box offices, food court, with popcorn and ice cream bay and central dinner room as well as an elevator and power generating set among others.
She revealed that the governor in his directive gave an order for the centre and its facilities to reflect international standard and ambience, disclosing that this was strictly adhere to and that the governor is quite pleased with the final delivery. She promised that everyone that comes into the complex would be amazed by what it has becoming, promising that it would be a befitting edifice for the host of various degree of events, including NAFEST for which it has been primed hence the prompt delivery of it.
