The National Festival of Arts and Culture  marked annually in Abuja, is the biggest cultural gathering in Nigeria. This event attracts participants from all the 36 states of Nigeria,FCT Abuja and other countries.

NAFEST can be regarded as the offshoot of the historic  "FESTAC 77".

Yours sincerely was in Abuja, privileged to witness the opening of this year's festival,  at the premises of the National Council for Arts and Culture.

There is no gainsaying the fact that Nigeria is a "cultural melting pot". Officially,we have over 250 ethnic groups. Each ethnic group has its unique, rich culture. NAFEST brings all these groups together in one place. This is the only national cultural festival where one can see  and appreciate our diversity . At NAFEST,every state has a pavilion where they display their material culture. For example, the states from the South-West,one can see the Adire ,a locally made textile that is exclusively found in Yorubaland.  There are also fashionable ornaments, arts,among others. 

 While states from the Northern part, that are famous in cloth and dye industries, display colourful native attire , including Fulani traditional dress, pottery, leather works, and beautifully decorated calabash.

Apart from the material aspect, almost every state has come with a troupe that comprises of professional drummers and dancers. indeed without the troupe, the event would have been called another thing instead of festival. This is because the troupe entertain the visitors, and make the event to look a truly festival .

Culture is the whole way of how a particular group of people live. Including their language, how they worship and what they worship,how they eat,how they play,love ,etc. Thus, what is vividly showcased at NAFEST 2024 is just an aspect of the culture. Nevertheless,it has the prospects of preserving this part of the culture, creating cultural consciousness and patriotism,boosts tourism and what have you.

During my visit to the venue of this very important festival,I noted that some states of the federation did not have a pavilion. One of these states is Katsina. Yes,the state cultural troupe were there, but there was no pavilion to showcase the ancient technology and arts from Katsina state. I hope by next year , the state will prepare well to be able to fully participate.

Comrade Bishir Dauda Sabuwar Unguwa Katsina