Agency Reporter
Unlike at past editions of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), Imo contingent though arrived late, stole the show with its last minute sterling performance at the closing ceremony of this year’s 33rd NAFEST.
Venue was the Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos at the weekend. Director General National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Otunba Segun Runsewe commended the performances of the Imo State contingent, noting that the very miraculous participation of the heartland nation was made possible by the culture loving governor of the state, Hope Uzodinma.
“We are happy to welcome IMO state delegation and due to their courage and determination to make a statement today, we shall bend backwards to accommodate them, give them the opportunity to showcase their very unique dance performance. Their presence is indeed heartwarming, an indication that Imo State is ready to join our efforts to promote Nigerian cultural tourism endowments to the world,” he added.
The excited Imo State delegation led by Barrister Doris Onyeali, warmed up to the invitation and put up an awesome dance performance to the delight and appreciation of guests, which included Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, Yobe Governor, Mai Buni and Sports Minister, Mr Sunday Dare.
Otunba Runsewe also commended Governor Uzodinma for the effort, an indication, which he believed will help the heartland state to rebrand its cultural tourism heritage.
“You can see that the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma is culture friendly and to have insisted that Imo delegates join us here is a huge testimony to the fact that the governor does not want Imo State to be left behind as NCAC work round the clock to redefine the entire cultural architecture of Nigeria,” he noted.
Runsewe added that Imo State Commissioner of Tourism, Creative Arts and Culture, Barrister Doris Onyeali has proven beyond doubt that she has all it takes to connect imo cultural tourism endowments, not only to the local networks but to international marketing opportunities.
“We at NCAC shall guide her to achieve the state’s expectations. Indeed, we are happy to have her and the team as partners and will visit Imo State to properly determine and evaluate what is on ground and how to go about it,” Otunba Runsewe said.
Onyeali, on the side line of the festival, stated that she is willing to change the narrative of Imo State age long cultural tourism heritage, nothing that Governor Uzodinma will want to see Imo take its rightful place in the cultural map of Nigeria.
“You will agree with me that Imo State used to be the conference and meeting destination in Nigeria and with the support of Governor Uzodinma, we shall change the culture tourism landscape. From our famous Oguta lake, the Golf Course, the Zoo, the Mbari Culture, award winning and famous Ofe Owerri cuisine, the Bongo and Highlife music, Imo is sure got a lot to offer everyone, and don’t forget we have the biggest hospitality infrastructure in Nigeria,” she said.
