NAFEST: Lalong wants promotion of Nigeria’s image through culture, food

Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong yesterday advocated promotion of the nation’s image through culture, food and indigenous fabrics.

He said the National Festival for Arts and Culture as a platform to showcase the potential of Nigeria and market its rich cultural heritage, saying this would boost economic development and the progress of the country.

He spoke at the Government House in Jos while receiving the Technical Committee of NAFEST led by the DirectorGeneral of the National Council of Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe.

He said the state would do all it could to complete the Luka Bentu Theatre for the NAFEST 2020 billed to hold in Jos next month.

He said Plateau was honoured to host the NAFEST 2020 because it would further confirm the peace and tranquility in the state.

“We have to promote our culture and heritage which is a great asset. If we do not market Nigeria, no one can market it for us. Our focus is to develop tourism and culture as another way of harnessing economic and social resources. This explains why it is difficult to leave Plateau when people come here,” Lalong said.

NCAC Director-General, Runsewe, said: “Plateau State is an attraction to people within and outside Nigeria. By restoring peace to the state, you’ve increased the invitation for development and progress of the people. This is why tourism and culture can now be used as a tool for improving the economic fortunes of the people and showcasing the hospitality and beauty of Plateau. This we shall achieve by staging NAFEST”.

Meanwhile, the committee also visited Jacob Gyang Buba, Gbong Gwom Jos, who said NAFEST 2020 would boost the state’s cultural and economic activities.