The 2023 edition of the Edo State Festival of Arts and Culture (EDOFEST) has kicked off in Benin City, the state capital.
A statement by the Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Uyi Oduwa-Malaka, said the EDOFEST 2023, which began on Tuesday, 12 December at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Lawn Tennis Court in Benin City, will run until 24 December, 2023.
The event, themed “My Home, My Culture, My Pride”, started with a city tour organised by the ministry in collaboration with Visit Edo and, according to the ministry, the tour will span the entire period of the event.
There was also Nine Lessons and Carol in Edo Language by the Edo State Arts Council Troupe and the Shalom Bible Church Choir on Tuesday at the Eghosa Anglican Grammar School Hall, New Lagos Road.
According to a schedule of programmes for the event, the EDOFEST opening ceremony to officially launch the event will take place at 4:00pm on Friday, 15 December, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Lawn Tennis Court, followed shortly by a Jazz Night at the Oti Hotel Roof Top.
On Saturday, 16 December, there will be Cultural and Contemporary Dance displays by 10:00am at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Lawn Tennis Court.
On Sunday, 17 December, there will be a food festival and family fun day by 12:00pm at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Lawn Tennis Court.
On Monday, 18 December, cultural troupes from the various local government areas will perform at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Lawn Tennis Court.
On Tuesday, 19 December, a Hospitality Stakeholders Workshop will take place at the New Festival Hall, Government House.
On Wednesday, 20 December, there will be “Art for Life” show at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Lawn Tennis Court, followed shortly by a Bronze Festival at the Preston Hotel and Casino, Airport Road.
On Thursday, 21 December, there will be a Culture Tour to historic sites, galleries and museums around the city beginning at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Lawn Tennis Court.
The event will conclude officially on Sunday, 24 December, with an exhibition titled “Our Journey of Heritage” at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Indoor Sports Hall.
The statement from the Honourable Commissioner said the ministry is dedicated to fostering cultural appreciation and heritage preservation, and EDOFEST stands as a testament to this commitment.
The event is powered by the Ministry of Arts, Culture & Tourism (MACT), in collaboration with other organizers and partners including Visit Edo, PMAN, MOWAA, the Jehovah Shalom Ministries, Apex Consulting, Genius Hub and Trinity Signature, among others.
