Ekiti, Niger put Nigeria on world arts, culture’s map, win international festival award

Nigeria on Friday emerged winner of the Surajkund International Arts and Crafts Festival in India.

The two- week competition is the largest arts and culture festival in the world.

According to a statement, Nigeria was represented by Ekiti State Performing Company, for performance content; and Niger State Tourism Commission, for Crafts Exhibition.

The statement added that Prof Ojo Bakare, renowned professor of Choreography and and Performannce Aesthetics and past Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism in Ekiti State, was the leader of the Delegation.

Nigeria,  India and Uganda got the VIP pick in that order for the best performances in the festival that featured over 50 countries which  performed daily for two weeks.

“As a result of Nigeria’s exemplary performances, the leaders of delegation for all the African countries at the festival chose Prof Bakare to lead an all African collaboration performance at the festival.

“The African countries also made a declaration for an All African networking organisation that will push for the development of Arts, Culture and Heritage in the continent. Prof Bakare was also selected as the  President.

“Prof Bakare, who hailed the Federal Government for tipping Ekiti and  Niger states as her representative at the international competition, gave kudos to the 15- member troupe and officials for the superlative performances at the world festival,” the statement added.