Ahead of the 2018 National Festival of Arts and Culture billed for 20th – 27th of October in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State government has released the schedule of events.
According to the schedule titled NAFEST 2018 SCHEDULE, released by the Rivers State Ministry of Information, registration of participants for all the events will commence on Saturday, October 20 – Sunday, October 21 between the hours of 6am – 6pm each day.
The state government has also chosen the Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt as venue for the festival.
According to the schedule, Monday, October 22, is for Free Medical Services and Balloting For Presentation of Competitive Events by 4pm. The venue of the event will be communicated to participants before the stipulated date and time by NCAC.
The Official Opening Ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, October 23 at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt at 2pm, the same day of the Opening of Cultural Market at Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt, by 5pm and shortly followed by Indigenous Fabrics Competition by 7pm at Rex Jim-Lawson Cultural Centre, Port Harcourt.
The schedule further indicates that NAFEST Cultural Roundtable on Entrepreneurship holds on Wednesday, October 24 by 9am at Dr. Obi Wali International Cultural Centre, same day for Ayo Competition by 2pm at Rex Jim-Lawson Cultural Centre, Traditional Wrestling Competition by 4pm at Sharks Stadium, Dance Drama by 6pm at Dr Obi Wali International Cultural Centre and Tales by Moonlight later same day by 7pm at same venue, Dr Obi Wali International Conference, Port Harcourt.
On Tuesday, October 25, 2018 is the turn of Children’s Essay Writing/Crafts Competition at Dr Obi Wali International Conference while Boat Regatta, Reception of children participants at NAFEST 2018 by Her Excellency, Hon. Justice Mrs. Suzzette Wike and Command Performance/State Reception are scheduled for Friday, October 26, 2018 by 8am for Boat Regatta at Port Harcourt Tourist Beach, 1pm for Reception for Children Participants at Government House, Port Harcourt and by 7pm for Command Performance respectively.
Finally, Cultural Golf Tournament and the Closing/Award Ceremony are billed for Saturday, October 27, 2018 by 6am for Golf Tournament and 12pm for Closing/Award Ceremony at Port Harcourt Club 1928 (Golf Section) and Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt respectively.