By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The Plateau state Governor, Simon Lalong said the Director General of National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC) has an innovative spirit and zeal for culture and tourism.
He made the disclosure at the opening ceremony of the stakeholders meeting on Nafest 2020, slated for Jos in November 21 to 28.
Lolong who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Plateau state Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Mrs Martha Joseph Azi, said the DG’s determination has placed Culture in the front burner of national discourse.
Speaking furher, the governor stated that the NCAC boss is an authentic Cultural ambassador of Nigeria,saying that he is ensuring that despite the pandemic the
Nafest, Nigeria’s Cultural festival holds.
“ I can’t but salute the courage and perseverance of the DG of NCAC and President, World Craft Council Africa region and everyone of you for trying to help us to activate the new normal as the pandemic will be with us for a while.”
He noted that plateau state has put in place necessary machinery to ensure Nafest 2020 in Jos will be more than successful.
“We shall leave no stone unturned to guarantee the safety of the delegates and visitors. Most importantly, at the end, share our dream of friendship, partnership and national unity with participants willing ambassadors of plateau tourism and hospitality.”
He explained that plateau hosted Nafest 24 years ago, adding that the 2020 edition will help birth and show case the rich Cultural heritage of the people and the giant stride of this administration.
“ We are aware that hosting events such as Nafest can bring about improvement in the socioeconomic engagement of our people, to boost Cultural tourism which is the main component of our God given endowment”, he further explained.
While urging participants to adhere strictly to the covid 19 protocols, governor Lalong reiterated that plateau state government will ensure that Nafest 2020 celebrations in Jos complies with all directives and advice of the Presidential Task force on covid 19 and NCDC.
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