NAFEST 2018: Rivers set for best outing

Rivers State governor, Nyeson Wike, has never hidden his pleasure to give his people the desire to transform the state and give his people the best. This is evident in the level of mass infrastructure development across the various sectors that the governor has embarked on since taking over the rein of power.

The tourism and creative industry have not be left out of this gesture with the recently inaugurated of the newly built ultra modern cultural centre at the heart of the city. The once abandoned complex has now been transformed into an architectural masterpiece with sophisticated amenities to compete with what is obtainable anywhere in the world.

With the state readiness to host this year’s edition of National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) in weeks to come, indications on ground show that the state putting its best through colourful outing set to beat the record that was set last year by the Kaduna State government, which was commended by the organisers, the NCAC, stakeholders and participants across board.

Going forward and in line with the dream and desire of the Director-General of NCAC, Otunba Segun Runsewe, to keep improving on the quality of the annual cultural festival, especially in the area of adding value to the creative industry and empowering the public, Governor Wike is said to have promised to deliver on the goals of the festival and surpass whatever record that has been set in the past.

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With the recent opening of the cultural centre, which is scheduled to be the venue of the one week event, indications are that participants and NCAC should expect a most thrilling and successful gathering that will enjoy the personal touches of the governor, who is said to be committed to hosting the festival and using it to make a statement about the cultural wealth of the state and its leading position when it comes to tourism and creative industry.

This fact was led credence to by the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Tonye Briggs Oniyide, who during the opening of the  cultural centre described it as a game changer, adding that the state is gearing up for the forthcoming National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST).

In terms of facilities, the edifice, which has 1800 seating capacity auditorium, features 48 guest rooms, 34 offices, governors’ lounge, media centre, conference hall, two meeting rooms, five box offices, food court, with popcorn and ice cream bay and central dinner room as well as an elevator and power generating set among others.

She revealed that the governor in his directive gave an order for the centre and its facilities to reflect international standard and ambience, disclosing that this was strictly adhere to and that the governor is quite pleased with the final delivery.

She promised that everyone that comes into the complex would be amazed by what it has becoming, promising that it would be a befitting edifice for the host of various degree of events, including NAFEST for which it has been primed hence the prompt delivery of it.