The Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has said investing in culture is crucial to the development of any society, as it would improve the stability, political and economic situation of the country.

          Declaring open a drama competition at the 34th National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), in Ado-Ekiti, with the theme, "Celebrating National Unity in Diversity”, Otunba Runsewe, said the event was a platform for celebrating the rich culture of Nigeria and a reminder that the country should be in unity, noting that it was imperative for Nigerians to take advantage of their cultural heritage, in order to engender a united, just and prosperous nation.

          He hinted that the festival would feature other competitions such as, tales by moonlight, traditional board games, children’s drawing and painting, traditional cuisines, archery, indigenous fabric and fashion, among others, adding that winners would be presented with prizes and awards.

          In an interview with OGIS correspondent, the Ogun State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Olusegun Olaotan, said that the theme of the event was apt at this period when kidnapping has become the order of the day.

          Olaotan said that every country in the world has challenges, saying the only way to achieve a common goal at resolving these challenges is to be united.

          "Over 25 States across the country that converged for this festival of unity have been celebrating together and all performances so far, were tailored towards the re-orientation for Nigerians to be united, without it, the country cannot survive", he said.

          Highlights of the day’s event were drama competition drawn from 18 states, traditional board game with 10 participating states and indigenous fabric competition.