NAFEST opens with Durbar in Kaduna
The National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) began yesterday with Durbar as the Zazzau Emirate displayed its rich cultural heritage at the popular Murtala Square in Kaduna.
The Durbar was colourful, with various traditional title holders under the emirate, including Turakin Zazau, Barden Zazzau, Iyan Zazzau, Sarkin Yarbawan Zazzau, Dan Galadiman, Wazirin Zazzau and Yeriman Zazzau among others leading their teams on beautifully decorated horses on a procession to pay homage to the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris who was seated alongside other dignitaries, including the deputy governor of Kaduna State, Architect Bala Bantex.
Sounds of powder gunshots were were fired into the air.
Also, contingents from different states of the country and local government areas of Kaduna State in a procession danced and displayed their unique cultural heritages. Each contingent appeared in uniformed attire in a match past to salute the dignitaries at the event.
States present included Niger, Delta, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Borno, Nassarawa, FCT Abuja, Ogun, Rivers, Sokoto, and Taraba.
In his remark at the opening ceremony, the Director General of the National Council of Arts and Culture, Otunba Gbenga Runsewe, said the festival was aimed at showcasing the cultural heritage of the Nigerian people, adding that it also sought to strengthen unity and love amongst Nigerians.
“The festival is aimed at celebrating life, love, peace and unity among Nigerians,” he said, noting that this was Kaduna State’s fifth time to host NAFEST.
Other events slated for the festival include children’s stage performance, traditional wrestling, traditional cuisine competition, cultural children essay, and cultural market, among others.