The Rivers State Government has expressed readiness to provide the necessary logistics to ensure a successful hosting of the National Festival of Arts & Culture (NAFEST) in Port Harcourt come October 2018.
The Executive Governor of the State Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike made this known while declaring open the National Technical Committee meeting on NAFEST on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo assured all delegates of a befitting event & encouraged them to put in their very best while participating in the contests that would showcase the splendour of Nigeria’s rich culture & heritage.
She assured the council of the unrivalled support of His Excellency to ensure that the event would be both successful & memorable.
She used the medium to express sadness over the unprofessional conduct of security agencies in the ill-fated bye-election in the State recently.
According to her, an election is not a do or die affair and wondered why security agencies would allow themselves to be used in blocking the wishes of the masses.
She called on relevant stakeholders to ensure that elections are conducted without rancour.
She called on Nigerians to rally round the efforts of Governor Wike to ensure that INEC and Security Agencies perform their duties creditably for democracy to thrive in the country.
According to her, Rivers State will host a NAFEST that would be difficult to beat for a long time.
NAFEST is a National platform that celebrates our unity irrespective of the many challenges facing our Nation.
In her remarks, the State coordinator of NAFESTRIVERS, Mrs Oniyide stated that the government of Rivers state was putting measures in place to domesticate the relevant laws on Culture and Tourism in the State in order to enhance the sector.
Earlier, the Director General of the National Council for Arts And Culture (NCAC) Otunba Segun Runsewe urged on the people to pray for the Governor, describing him as a culture-loving Governor.
