By Tope Bamidele
Director General of the National Council of Arts and Culture Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has called on Nigerians to always tolerate one another and respect the culture and tradition of various ethnic tribes to promote national cohesion and peace in the country..
He also advised the states Governments to leverage on the potential in the nation’s culture, arts and tourism sector to stimulate the socio economic growth of their various states
Otunba Runsewe spoke in Ado Ekiti at the Inauguration of members of Local organising committee for the 34th edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture to be hosted by Ekiti state in November this year.
Otunba Runsewe stressed that nigeria is a country with a diverse ethnic groups, hence the need for individuals to respect the norms and values of each tribes.
He noted that the idea of Nafest was to integrate culture and arts as a catalysts to build and create a more united and stronger Nigeria.
Otunba Runsewe said Ekiti state was selected to host the next edition as a result of its readiness after the feasibility studies carried out by the council..
While inaugurating the committee , Governor kayode Fayemi noted that his govt had activated various activities in the arts, culture which has stimulated tourism businesses as well as creative entrepreneurship.
Governor Fayemi promised that govt would provide logistics and financial support to ensure the success of the national festival.
Also the state comm for Arts and culture professor Razaki ojo Bakare expressed intention of the state govt to use the festival to eradicate poverty by attracting local and global investment opportunities to Ekiti.
Professor Bakare who is the chairman of the committee urged members to justify their nomination through commitment towards making the festival a huge success.
