Contingents from Ogun has made the State proud, as they won four medals at the just concluded National Arts and Craft Festival, (NAFEST) 2024, in Abuja.

      The  contingents, who competed with other 27 states in the country,  emerged first in the Traditional Wrestling,  second  in Children  Arts and Crafts, as well as Archery, and  third position in Indigenous Materials for Interior Decoration. 

   Speaking in response to the outstanding performance of the contingents, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Oluwasesan Fagbayi, appreciated them for exhibiting their talents towards the success of the event.

      Hon. fagbayi, who also lauded the state government for supporting management of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, as well as the contingents, saying it was an opportunity for them to connect with the cultures, traditions and rich cultural heritage of other states in the country.

        " I am so delighted and pleased to be a participant at this national cultural event, God has given talents to every person and individuals, and NAFEST  has really helped to  identify and develop  these  talents as well as connecting contemporary cultures  with traditional cultures especially amongst the youths ", the Commissioner stated.

       While describing arts and culture as a viable sector, Hon. Fagbayi noted that, NAFEST with the theme: ' Connected Culture' had  showcased talents  in the youths, saying their continuous engagement would strengthen the rich cultural  heritages  of Nigerians.

        Lending his voice, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Yusuff Quudus said the medals received by the states was an indication of the Prince Dapo Abiodun -led administration's commitment to the development and advancement of the culture sector.

      He stated further that through NAFEST, Ogun would be able to network with other states of the federation to develop some of its untapped cultural heritages while leveraging on its economic benefits.

       In his remarks, Director of Culture,  Mr. Femi Osanyinpeju, who received the awards on behalf of the contingents, commended the state participants for their doggedness and excellent performances, which earned them medals, particularly Archery for the first time in the history of the state.

    Responding, one of the contingents, Mr. Fagbenro Gbenga thanked the state government and the ministry for providing them with necessary resources and logistics to achieve success during the event.