Gov. Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State on Tuesday said the diverse
cultures of Nigerians should be seen as symbol of unity and must be used to foster peace and development in the country.
He stated this at the opening of the 30th National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) in Kaduna.
According to him, Nigeria can become an international tourist destination if it harnesses its
cultural heritage.
The governor, who assured participants of warm reception in Kaduna State, said the festival, had been avenue to foster unity, tolerance and peace among Nigerians since inception in 1970.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the festival started with a cultural march past by states.
Among those participating at the week-long festival tagged ”Nigeria Peace and Unity… Our pride” are Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, among others
The Zazzau Emirate culture was on display on Tuesday as a durbar was staged for visitors.
The Durbar was led by Wazirin Zazzau team, followed by the Emir’s mounted Troop and foot soldiers.
The 23 local government areas of Kaduna State also took turn to showcase their cultures.
Earlier in an opening remark, the Director General, National Council of Arts and Culture, Olusegun Runsewe, said “the festival showed that the country was one.”
He added that participants from all over the country showed the unity of the country.
“There cannot be Nigeria without the different nationalities that make up the country, that is why we must all work together to keep the country as one,” he added. (NAN)
EMZ/JEO/HA