By Isaac Olamikan, Senior Correspondent, Benin
Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Osaze Osemwengie-Ero, has reaffirmed that the state government is ready to host the world in the forthcoming National Festival of Arts and Culture(NAFEST) billed for Benin City, the state capital, from Saturday October 19th – Saturday, October 26th, 2019.
In a chat with Daily Watch, the commissioner said: “Let tourists from all over the world come to Edo State and have fun. We are ready to host them; to make sure they are happy. They should come and see what God has blessed us with.
“God has blessed us with a rich cultural heritage. Also don’t forget that the Benin monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare, would during the period of the festival be having his third year anniversary on the throne which is a great celebration for Edo people.
“Also Governor Godwin Obaseki is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the festival is held successfully by the state. We must commend him for the things he is doing.
“What he is doing to reawaken the education sector is the same thing he is doing in the arts, culture and tourism sector.
“We are happy that this epoch event is taking place in the state in our life time being the first time that Edo State would host it in forty years.
“Take a tour around Benin City, especially the venues earmarked for the different events, and see the total transformation, the beautification.”
