Benin City is known all over the world as the capital of arts and culture. Benin Arts have always been the best the world over. It was not surprising that even the British colonial lords had to loot some great Benin Artefacts during the 1817 invasion of the ancient city.

Edo State is today wearing a new look as it is getting set to host the 32nd edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST). The National Festival of Arts and Culture is one of the major cultural festivals that serves as great platform for mobilizing stakeholders in the Arts and Culture Industry at which they interact, showcase talents and project the values of our heritage as well as develop the spirit of national identity and peaceful co-existence amongst Nigerians.

The festival is Schedule to hold in Benin City from October 19 to 26. Mainwhile, activities are being planned to be evenly distributed in major emblematic venues across the ancient city to showcase the culture and boost the state economy.
Interestingly, our revered monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, has opted to celebrate his 4th coronation anniversary during this year’s National Festival of Arts and Culture.

So far, on the road to NAFEST, Edo State has been doing well. The reassurance from the Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki and the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II gives a clear indication that Nigerians and indeed all lovers of arts and culture globally who would be in Benin for the festival will be witnessing the best ever.

There are great expectations that visitors to Benin would be treated to the best of times. Those who will throng the city for the fiesta are looking forward to a remarkable showing that will depict the full dimension and colour of the globally-famous Benin culture and traditions.
Edo people are glad that our Oba has thrown his weight behind the festival with his plan to celebrate his fourth anniversary on the throne of the ancient Benin Kingdom during the festival. So, it is going to be some double celebrations of some sorts for all Edo people.

The Oba of Benin during the visit of officials of NCAC to his palace, assured that the administration of Governor Godwin Obasaki, the entire Benin Kingdom and the Palace would mobilize fully to give the event both national and international exposure. This remains heartwarming as the festival is receiving the fullest of attention of government and people of Edo State.

Edo State is not new to celebrating festivals of this nature and magnitude. Since the Edo Festival of Arts & Culture, titled EDOFEST, began in 2017, it has been sustained and the NAFEST is just going to be some kind of scale up of activities as artistes are expected from all over the 36 states, Abuja and even from foreign lands.

For us in Edo, NAFEST 2019 can best be interpreted to mean that Arts and Culture are coming home. During EDOFEST of last year, the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki said “the arts of Benin Kingdom are global brands. Being the bastion and citadel of culture in the country, Benin artifacts are among the most exquisite and coveted in world’s history which represents the earliest civilization among blacks especially Africans.” There is no doubt that Glovernor Obaseki is a lover of arts and culture given the pride of place accorded the sector by his administration in the state. The same political will at the highest level he has deployed to the NAFEST 2019.

Now that we are sure of hosting the world, a lot is expected of every Edo man and woman. We must show the best of our hospitality to millions of visitors expected in Edo State. Our roads, drainages must be put in good form. The State Government, particularly ministries of Infrastructure, Environment, Arts Culture and Tourism must be working round the clock till the end of the festival. The Rapid Response Unit of Ministry of Infrastructure must ensure zero tolerance to pot holes in city roads.

This is the time the Benin City Electricity Company, BEDC, should join hands in working round the clock to ensure an all-round electricity supply. If it will mean buying more current for distribution to residents of Benin, it should go all out to do it.

The ministry of Environment even though is waking up late from its slumber should also ensure de-silting of drains along major roads in Benin City as it was done in recent years. The problem of flooding in Benin City lately is owing to blocked drains. The ministry should mobilise citizens of the state to clear the drains and make truck available to clear them once they are dug out. Resident of the city on our part should desist from throwing thrash and rubbish on the drainages because it could make visitors to the state see us as dirty people who can not manage our wastes collection and disposal properly.

We must make an excellent showing of our selves before our expected guests. We must welcome our visitors with warm and open hands. Operators of hospitality industries in the state should brief their employees properly of this big festival as hotels and fun places would be besieged by the visitors. Hotel attendants must be courteous to our guests and not be rude to them. They should show them true love in the real sense of the word.

Much more, as the world converge on Benin City for the 2019 NAFEST, we urge all public servants, journalists, security operatives and other social workers to be decent and professional in their conduct. There must be watertight security around the state. Security operatives must ensure that no incidences of robbery, kidnapping or cult-killings during this time. Methinks that a word is enough for the wise.

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• Mr. Dan Owegie is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Edo State.