The cultural market at the ongoing National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST), in Lagos, has been declared open for commercial activities.
Chief Olusegun Runsewe, Director – General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), organizer of the festival, on Tuesday said the essence of the market was to ensure that Lagos State, the host state for NAFEST, enjoys some level of economic boost.
Runsewe noted that the market was also meant to showcase Nigeria’s beautiful arts and crafts to the world.
He urged the state delegates to visit the market to patronize locally made crafts.
“Nigeria is well endowed, this market is to display the creativity in Nigeria.
“NAFEST is the platform to unite us, it is the melting point to unite Nigerians in view of the problems we are experiencing now.
“Nigeria will definitely be great again,” he said.
Earlier, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, said “having commerce around the festival is strategic.
“I implore Nigerians who have come to Lagos for NAFEST to visit the market square for the purpose of purchasing our crafts and arts.
“I appreciate Lagosians for accommodating Nigerians. After this festival, Nigeria shall be stronger and greater.”
Also, Mrs Nkoyo Nwakusor, Deputy Director, Public Affairs Department, National Population Commission, sensitized the state delegates on the forthcoming census.
The 35th NAFEST holds in Lagos from Nov. 7 to Nov. 13.
The theme for the cultural festival is “Culture and Peaceful Coexistence”.
