Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Deputy Governor of Plateau,(5th from left), Mr Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General (NCAC),(4th from left) Plateau Exco and top management of the culture industry in group photograph after the courtesy call
Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau State, has promised to thrill guests during the forthcoming 2020 edition of the National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) which the state would be hosting in October.
Lalong said this while playing host to Mr Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), saddled with the responsibility of organising the annual event at the Government House in Jos.
Mr Frank Meke, the Media Aide to Runsewe, said this in a statement in Lagos on Thursday.
Meke said the governor was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Sonni Tyoden
He quoted the governor as saying that the state would be thrilling guests with a whole lot of cultural activities and a world class cultural centre which was under construction to be ready for use before the festival.
Lalong said that the opportunity given to the state to host the annual event would not be taken for granted while the state planned to make history.
“Plateau State being a home of hospitality, tourism and peace will host mother of all NAFEST by all standards.
“All basic requirements needed to make the festival a success would be put in place,” he said.
Lalong commended Runsewe for his doggedness in promoting nation’s culture and for doing well at the council.
He appreciated the culture helmsman for dimming it fit in giving NAFEST 2020 hosting right to the state.
He said although the state suffered various forms of conflicts before now, it was time to reposition the state through promotion of huge cultural activities.
“Before now the council has been in existence but little is been heard about the organisation but at your arrival a lot is been done through your visionary and effective dynamic leadership,” he said.
Earlier, Runsewe praised the governor for consenting to host the ancient festival as he was not surprised haven known the governor as a man that wants the best for his people.
He said that one veritable tool that would be used is cultural diplomacy to foster unity, peace, hospitality and togetherness during the festival.
“Your exceptional leadership style can be seen visibly in all what you do,” he said.
Runsewe who went down memory lane said in1996 when the state first hosted the festival, over six African countries participated and now all the seventeen local governments of the state were expected and the entire states of the federation.
According to him, NAFEST remained the festival that fosters unity among the states.
He implored the governor to complete the theater arts hall being one of the edifices that will give employment to over five hundred people when completed.
“As the world anxiously looks up to Plateau come October this year, all golfers, business entrepreneurs are planning to come to the state during the event,” he said.
Customised posters of various inscriptions promoting the festival such as biro, exercise books, calendar, T-shirts were presented to the governor as a sign of early preparation in kick-starting the event. (NAN)
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