NAFEST !

I am reaching you from Uyo, capital of The Land of Promise.

13 states are already here making the necessary preparations for the beginning of NAFEST only two days hence.

Such preparations include getting their hostel spaces for artistes, hotel accommodation for officials, identification tags for all contingents, space for building exhibition stands and so on.

The main competitive events for this year are Dance, Documentation( crafts and dance) , Music solo for children and Food Fair.


The air is already festive.

NAFEST is from 30th October

Yes, and that is official.

NAFEST 2010 will now hold from 30th October to 7th November. Venue is still, Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State.

See you there !

NAFEST 2010 !

The Nigerian National Festival of Arts ( NAFEST) is upon us once again. This time, ity is scheduled to hold in Uyo, capital of the Promised Land.

Dates? For now , it is 9th to 17th of October, but a change might be in the air.

HOW SALUTARY IS THIS ?

Although the seeds and pebbles game known variously in Nigeria as ayo,okwe,nsa-isong,dara,warri etc is played all over the world, there seems a concensus that it originated from Africa.Its recent resurgence is, unfortunately like other elements of our culture, being engineered from outside the continent.Most computerised versions that have seen the light of day have originated from Europe while systematised internationalisation is led by France and Britain.

Here in Nigeria, in spite of our claimed commitment to the promotion of traditional sports and games, we are finding it difficult to decide that a competition in this game should be part of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) although this would be the 33rd time the festival is being held.

Can anybody wonder then that the International Oware Society's world and African rankings do not feature even one Nigerian even though this is the favourite game of prominent citizens like General Olusegun Obasanjo and Major General Shuwa(rtd) ?

Of course,it is not all a negative story.My work on Nsa-Isong was itself triggered off by the decades-long efforts of Mrs Viloetta Ekpo,the Uyo NCMM,the AKS Traditional Sports Association and Engineer Mfon Amana. There is also a report of an annual competition sponsored by the proprietor of The Tent Manor ( a hotel in Uyo) while there is at least one school in the FCT that practices planned learning and competition amongst its pupils.Clearly this does not exhaust the list of efforts.

The real problem is that the enemy of the beautiful is the more beautiful. Our efforts and achievements detailed above pale to nothing when put beside the reports coming from Britain ,France and other lands regarding the promotion of the game.

We certainly need to buckle up if we are not to suddenly discover that this is one more heritage we shall need to re-learn from foreigners.

This call is not merely sentimental either! When our youths especially engage seriously in this traditionally valued game for pecuniary and other rewards, it can be part of the solution to youth restiveness. It will engage their minds,keep them off the streets, raise their self-esteem and provide them a safe and legal source of income.

The time for action is NOW: please,please,please do not let us suffer the indignity of having foreigners teach our children our culture. Learn oware(ayo,dara,okwe,nsa-isong,warri,etc) today,teach it to your children and generally join in its promotion.

IFACCA:The International Federation of Art Councils and Culture Agencies !

Vision and Objectives: The International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA) is the global network of arts councils and ministries of culture.

Vision: IFACCA aims to benefit artists, arts organisations and communities worldwide.
Our vision is a dynamic network, sharing knowledge and creating understanding to enrich a world of artistic and cultural diversity.

Current African Membership includes :Botswana,Central Africcan Republic,Gambia,Kenya,Malawi,Mozanbique,Namibia,Niger,Nigeria,Senegal,South Africa,Tasnzania,Zambia and Zimbabwe.

NAFEST takes off in grand style.

The Nationaal Festival of Arts and Culture, NAFEST has finally taken off in grand style in Minna, capital of Niger State.That happened on the 13th of this month.

It was marked by the hosting Governor- known here as The Chief Servant- being visibly commited to the success of the venture.

The venue is branded all over with the greatest visibility being in the arena for traditional wrestling.A good number of cars specially branded for the festival are made available for officials and there are many other branded items besides.

State input into the opening ceremony was also visible. There was a calisthenic performance before the traditional states' parade and the day was rounded off with fireworks.

Competitive events at the festival include *dance/music presentation *special exhibition/live presentation * traditional wreestling etc while the non-competitive events include ayo and herbal medicine

NAFEST moves to Mina !

This information is tentative, but it is about the most reliable you can get anywhere as at today viz- this year's edition of the prestigious National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) is scheduled to hold in Niger State in the first week of October.

If there is any change and we get hold of it, we will endeavour to be the first to get it to you .