Bayelsa State emerges overall winner of the 36th edition of the National Festival for Art and Culture (2024 NAFEST).
This week-long celebration of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage brought together participants from various states, showcasing an impressive variety of talent and creativity.
The festival was structured into two main categories: Competitive Events and Non-Competitive Events, allowing for a diverse representation of Nigeria’s artistic expressions.
The Competitive Events featured an exciting lineup of activities designed to highlight both traditional and contemporary Nigerian culture. The participating states showcased their skills in a range of disciplines, including Children’s Storytelling, which captivated audiences with imaginative narratives. Traditional Board Games, such as Ayo, engaged players in strategic gameplay steeped in history. The robust Traditional Wrestling and Dambe Boxing matches drew enthusiastic crowds, showcasing strength and skill.
Archery demonstrated precision and focus, while the Sing-Off Naija and Dance-Off Naija events brought vibrant musical and dance performances to the forefront. The highly competitive Jollof Wars tantalize taste buds as culinary experts battled for the title of the best Jollof rice, a staple dish cherished across the country.
Additionally, students participated in the Culture Quiz Competitions for Secondary Schools and the Children’s Essay Writing Competitions, fostering a spirit of learning and appreciation for cultural heritage. Other events included the Swag Show, celebrating fashion, the Children’s Arts & Craft Competition, and the National Competition on the Use of Nigerian Indigenous Materials for Interior Decorations, each emphasizing the importance of local materials and creativity in contemporary design.
On the other hand, the Non-Competitive Events offered a platform for cultural exchange and appreciation, featuring the Official Opening and Closing Ceremonies, where dignitaries gathered to celebrate the festival’s achievements. A Colloquium focused on enlightening conversations about culture, while the Command Performance showcased outstanding artistic talents from various regions. The premiere of the captivating play “Ibe Ji Mma” added a theatrical flair to the festivities.
Further enriching the festival experience were initiatives like the Creative Economy Town Hall, where industry leaders shared insights and innovations, and the Arts and Crafts Cultural Market/Exhibition, a vibrant space showcasing artisans and their creations. The Creative Leap Accelerator Programme (CLAP) aimed at nurturing creative talents and fostering entrepreneurship in the arts. The 2024 NAFEST Book Fair Panel provided a platform for authors and readers to connect, discuss literature, and celebrate Nigerian storytelling.
Adding an element of fun and indulgence, the 2024 NAFEST included Honours & Awards ceremonies to recognize excellence in cultural contributions, alongside an “All You Can Eat” experience, allowing attendees to savor diverse Nigerian cuisines. Nights of Entertainment kept the celebratory spirit alive with captivating performances, uniting people through music and dance. This year’s NAFEST not only highlighted Nigeria’s artistic diversity but also fostered camaraderie and cultural pride among its participants and attendees.
The competition saw some impressive performances from various states. Ekiti secured a commendable second place, while Lagos followed closely in third. In the Ayo game, results were highlighted with Lagos taking the top spot, followed by Ekiti in second and Rivers in third.
In the Children’s Arts and Crafts category, Bayelsa showcased remarkable talent to claim first place, with Ogun and Lagos contributing strong efforts to secure the second and third spots, respectively.
Archer enthusiasts also put on a great show, with Bayelsa once again leading the way, followed by Ogun state in second place, while both Lagos and Ekiti shared the third position.
The Swag Show featured Ekiti State shining brightly as the winner, with Bayelsa and Rivers earning second and third places, respectively.
In the Children’s Essay competition, Ekiti state emerged as the top performer, with Lagos and Enugu state following in second and third places.
Lastly, in the Culture Quiz, Taraba demonstrated their knowledge by taking first place, Benue came in second, and Ekiti rounded out the top three. Overall, these results highlight the diverse talents and competitive spirit present across the states.
The Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Chief Obi Asika, emphasized the significance of the festival as a vibrant celebration of our shared cultural heritage.
He highlighted the theme “Connected Culture,” which reflects the festival’s mission to showcase the diverse commonalities that unite us through our cultural expressions.
Chief Obi, while thanking all the participating states disclosed that NAFEST is envisioned as the cultural Olympics, and in its five decades of existence, has proven to be a robust platform for interactions among the diverse people of Nigeria.
