Lalong Welcomes Participants from the 36 States Of Nigeria for NAFEST 2020

All roads lead to Jos,The Plateau State Capital as participants troop in for the National festival of Arts and culture (NAFEST 2020)

Governor Simon Bako Lalong is welcoming all participants to the home of peace and tourism with a caveat ‘come to Jos let us spoil you a little’ as the home of peace,tourism, hospitality and Entertainment 360 with abundant cultural heritage of the Plateau Indigenous people and settlers.

Hotels fully booked,Plateau Cultural delicacies will be patronised,local businesses will boom, local content and Talents will be given a national platform ,IGR will accrue and above all unity and national integration will be some immediate gains to the Home of peace and tourism as Nigeria converge In Jos.

Indeed,Plateau Is a miniature Nigeria that houses all in peaceful coexistence for socio-economic development as the gains of peace as a panacea for development is the new normal for the interest of all citizen’s.

Is Plateau State and Plateau citizen’s ready to prove that it is truly the destination and home of cultural tourism in Nigeria?

“We are more than prepared. The best hotels and recreation centers are here. The best and oldest golf course, the temperate climate unequalled, the culinary offerings, hospitality and the rich culture of our people will be generously offered to all delegates and visitors during the event,” Governor Simon Bako Lalong stated.

Amidst effusive candour and testimony of the transformational attributes of culture as tool for national integration and development, Gov Simon Lalong assures of adequate security and welfare to all Nigerians including foreigners throughout the one-week festival, adding that the Covid-19 protocols and health regulations will be implemented and observed to the latter.

“We are the first state in Nigeria to ensure Covid-19 testing is taken to the grass roots, starting with all ministries and agencies, the local governments. We also ensured the total fumigation of all public places. It’s not a fluke that we responded and took responsibility to check Covid-19 in the state, not only because of our people, but also because we know we are the home of hospitality and tourism in Nigeria,” Lalong said.

“We know we shall spoil you people beyond measure; only try and leave something behind. Sow a seed in appreciation and for those who do not wish to leave after the event, we are more than willing to give accelerated approval to request for landed property,” Lalong assured.

Our culture is the solution driver to the many challenges we face ,we as a people should be determined to prove to the world and to all Nigerians that our indigenous diversity and way of life can help us reshape our future and keep us together and united.

The importance and roles of Nigerian traditional rulers in the preservation of our culture cannot be overemphasized, concerted efforts to bring back the traditional institutions across the country for the protection of the indigenous culture of the country is a task that must be done by all and sundry..

The Gbong Gwom Jos has given his royal blessings for NAFEST,2020.

“We shall support this event and mobilize our resources and people to showcase our very unique best in all areas. We only want you to tell Nigerians and foreigners coming that they should leave something behind as we shall be willing to offer lands for many of you who may wish to stay behind after the event. We know that will happen because we are very peaceful here and accommodating with rich biosphere and temperate environment,” Buba Gyang said.

NAFEST Jos, the 33rd edition comes up from November 21 to 28. Governor Simon Bako Lalong was instrumental to making sure Plateau State won the bid for the hosting rights ahead of many state that indicated Interest,Three states; Kwara, Taraba and Kogi have indicated interests to host the festival in 2022 while Ekiti state won the bid to host it in 2021.

Makut Alfred Mashat
Is The Volunteer Special Adviser To The Executive Governor On Talents & The Creative Industry.