The Chief Executives of the Culture sector across the country, under the banner of C
hief Executives of Culture of the Federation (CEC), converged at Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, for its 39th meeting, as a prelude to the forthcoming National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), to be hosted by the Bayelsa State Government.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of CEC, Mr. Mwajim Mailgwi Maidugu, who is the Executive Director of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), thanked various culture chiefs, for making it to the meeting and urged them to make fruitful contributions during the deliberation.
Maigudu stated that the forum offers opportunity for members to interact and proffer ideas towards repositioning the culture sector, adding that NAFEST 2013 will focus on Nigerian Traditional Furnished Apartments, Traditional Wrestling, Culture Market, as well as the Festival Colloquium.
The Honourable Minister of Culture and Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke, who was represented by Mrs. Peace Anyanwu, an Assistant Director in the ministry, lauded the efforts of the various chief executives, in promoting and preserving the nation’s rich cul
tural heritage and pledged to give all the necessary support to ensure that the forthcoming NAFEST 2013 is a success.
While declaring the meeting open, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson, represented by the Honourable Commissioner of Culture and Ijaw National Affairs, Dr. Felix Tuodolo, stated that the government and people of Bayelsa State were highly delighted for the hosting right of NAFEST 2013 and that preparations are in top gear to ensure a hitch free festival.
The Executive Secretary of NICO, Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma was represented by the Zonal Coordinator of the South-South zonal office of the Institute, Mr. James Imohiosen.
Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, is billed to hold the 2013 National festival for Art and Culture, scheduled to hold from the 15th to 22nd of September, 2013.
Moses Omorogbe
NICO SSZ Corporate Affairs Unit