Governor Simon Lalong Wednesday said Plateau state was honoured to host the 2020 National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST).
He said it will further confirm the peace and tranquility in the state which makes development possible.
Lalong made the statement when he received the Technical Committee led by the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, at the Government House Jos, as contained in a release by his director of press and public affairs, Dr. Makut Macham.
Lalong said: “We have to promote our culture and heritage which is a great asset. If we do not market Nigeria, no one can market it for us. Our focus is to develop tourism and culture as another way of harnessing economic and social resources. This explains why it is difficult to leave Plateau when people come here.”
He said government will expedite action on the completion of the Luka Bentu Indoor Theatre for the event while the airlines operating to Jos have been advised to make adequate arrangements for people attending the event.
Lalong said the state will ensure that everything is done in line with COVID-19 protocols even as the cases have dropped significantly in recent times due to the proactive approach adopted by the state government.
The DG, Otunba Segun Runsewe, said NAFEST 2020 will be a historic event because Plateau state is the Home of Peace and Tourism and has a rich cultural history that has been at the centre of national development in many ways.
He said: “Plateau state is an attraction to people within and outside Nigeria. By restoring peace to the state, you have increased the invitation for development and progress of the people. This is why tourism and culture can now be used as a tool for improving the economic fortunes of the people and showcasing the hospitality and beauty of Plateau. This we shall achieve by staging NAFEST.”
