Niger Delta
Calabar Agog As NAFEST Begins
Calabar, the Cross River capital is agog as the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) begins.
Our correspondent reports that contingents’ from 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are already in the Canaan City for the 25th edition of the festival, which began yesterday and ends on October 28.
A check by our reporter at the Cultural Centre Complex and the U.J .Esuene stadium where the four-day events would take place showed heavy presence of security operatives.
According to the organisers, the theme for this year’s fiesta is: “Nigerian Traditional Music: A Vehicle for Economic Transformation and Unity”.
Events billed for the festival include: Children Essay Writing competition; Food Fair; Drama; Traditional Furnished Apartment; Cultural Market; Excursion to tourists’ sites and Presentation of Awards.
Mr Edem Duke, the Culture and Tourism Minister, said on Monday, at a news conference in Calabar, that the festival earlier scheduled to end on Oct. 30 was scaled down to Oct. 28.
Duke said that the change in date was “to make the event compact for the participants”.
He reiterated the ministry’s readiness to host the fiesta, adding that he had taken time to inspect the stadium for the opening ceremony.
“I can say that the U.J.Esuene Stadium is ready to host the event. The stadium is one of the best in Nigeria, suitable for an event like NAFEST.
“Calabar has a conducive environment to host any cultural event.
“The ministry will remain grateful to the government and people of Cross River for accepting to host the event at a short notice,” the minister said. Meanwhile, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Mr. Edem Duke has said that the 25th edition of the Nigerian Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) earlier scheduled to last for five days will now last for three days.
Mr Edem Duke, made the announcement in Calabar while briefing newsmen on preparations for the festival.
He said the festival, which would take place at the U.J.Esuene Stadium, Calabar, would open on October 25 and close on October 28, instead of the earlier date of October 25 to October 30.
Duke added that the change in date was “to make the event compact for the participants”.
He reiterated the ministry’s determination to ensure the success of the festival, saying all the logistics and venue had been well put in place and made ready for the events.
“The stadium is one of the best in Nigeria, suitable for an event like NAFEST. Calabar also provides a conducive environment to host any cultural event.
“The ministry will remain grateful to the government and people of Cross River for accepting to host the event at a short notice.”
The Special Adviser to Gov. Liyel Imoke on Tourism, Mr Gabe Onah, said the state had a tradition with culture and tourism, noting that “hosting NAFEST 2011 is like bringing culture home”.
“Cross River has the best green environment in Nigeria and I am sure that the participants will enjoy the best of tourism while in the state.”
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.