The ancient city of Benin on Friday reaffirmed its place in the world of arts and culture with the opening of the three-day ENINA Theatre Festival.
It was an agglomeration of theatre groups and musical bands at the ever vibrant Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Benin City, who thrilled guests with lovely music and theatrical displays, notable among them being Azagidi.
The event also witnessed a gathering of several high profile personalities including the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, Head of Programme at GIZ SKYE, Mr Tobias Wolfgarten, among others.
In his opening speech, the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, who was represented by the Commissioner for Justice, said the ENINA Theatre Festival was a novel and aspiring initiative that the government was very excited about.
He said the festival might not only be celebrating the setting of talent and performances but the focus was on diversity and inclusivity.
The governor further said the state government was committed to building the arts and theatre culture and the establishment of the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub was one way in which the vision has been creatively enabled. He said the ENINA Theatre Festival was just a humble start for the state to bring back culture.
While delivering her keynote speech, the managing director of the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub acknowledged the Godwin Obaseki-led administration for facilitating the realization of the ENINA Theatre Festival.
An attendee, Faith Osadolor, a professor of Law and the Permanent Secretary to the Solicitor-General of the Edo Ministry of Justice, said, “I am a person who has interest in the theatre world, I grew up watching people like Pedro Agbonifo perform and to me this event is nostalgic.”
Osadolor added that the festival is now part of Edo State culture and subsequent editions will be held in the state. He also praised the Obaseki-led government for reviving the arts and culture sector of the state, returning the state to its former position as the home of culture.
