Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong and the chairman of the state’s council of traditional rulers, Da Jacob Buba Gyang, have assured that the 2020 National Festival of Arts and Culture (Nafest) to hold in Jos, from November 21 to 28, will be a reference point for other such events.
The governor and the Gwong Gwon Jos who spoke at different occasions during the courtesy visit of the Nafest technical team led by otunba Segun Runsewe, Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), reiterated that the government and people of Plateau State are more than ready to host the 33rd edition of the national festival despite the challenges of COVID-19, noting that the state is “ready to prove beyond all reasonable doubts that it’s truly the destination and home of Cultural tourism in Nigeria.”
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Governor Lalong who assured of adequate security said, “We are more than prepared. The best hotels, recreation centres are here. Also, the best and oldest golf course, the unequalled temperate climate, culinary offerings, hospitality and the rich culture of our people will be generously offered to all delegates and visitors during the event.”
Speaking earlier, Runsewe told the governor and his cabinet members that the technical committee members were in the state to inspect and evaluate the preparedness of the state towards hosting the festival and to thank the governor for his singular commitment to the overall success of the festival.
Presenting branded Nafest Jos 2020 souvenirs made from local fabrics to the governor and all his cabinet members, the NCAC boss informed that the Jos national festival is the first in Africa post-Covid-19 and will be showcased with the new normal digital marketing opportunities ever, adding that if the Jos technical meeting could witness the presence of 27 states, the prospects of the entire 36 states attending the event will be more than a reality.
His majesty, Da Jacob Buba Gyang, in full session with his traditional Council, expressed joy that the festival is taking place in the Plateau and admonished delegates and visitors to disregard the “tales of fear mongers” about insecurity in the Plateau, praising the efforts of the governor to put the state on the global cultural tourism map.
Nafest Jos is going to be the 33rd edition. Three states, including kwara, Taraba and Kogi states have indicated interest to host the festival in 2022 while Ekiti State won the bid to host in 2021.
