The Centre for Black Arts and African Civilisation (CBAAC) on Thursday solicited the support of public and corporate entities in sponsoring the commemoration of FESTAC’’77 @ 40.
CBAAC Director General, Dr Ferdinand Anikwe, said in Lagos that the celebrations would hold from Nov. 6 to Nov.11.
NAN recalls that Nigeria hosted the First World Blacks and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos in 1977.
Nigeria’s hosing of the fiesta led the then Federal Government to build FESTAC Town for guests and participants from across the world.
Anikwe said that FESTAC’’77 @ 40 had gained more collaborators as 56 countries that participated then and nine states had indicated interest in participating in the weeklong celebrations.
“The event will hold from Nov.6 to Nov.11, but we must all ensure that the historic event is commemorated in a befitting style and that is what we need sponsors for,’’ he said.
Anikwe said that the long awaited celebration promised to be eventful as it would project and celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage in songs, dance, crafts and lots more.
He said that renowned musicians such as King Sunny Ade and Onyeka Onwenu would excite the foreign visitors and Nigerians with their performances at the events.
“We have finally decided to start the commemoration of FESTAC ‘’77 here in Lagos where we have the FESTAC Town.
“ All the 56 countries that participated then have all indicated interest to attend and we will make sure that they hold a positive image of the country through our programmes.
He, however, called for more corporate sponsors and state governments to collaborate with CBAAC to make the celebrations a huge success.
”This is an international event which I expect every state to key into so that there could be an exhibition of the cultures of all states.
“We have received collaborations from so many states as well; these collaborations will fortify our plans and make it easy to achieve our desired goal which is to project Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage,” he said.
The CBAAC boss said that necessary machinery had been put in motion to guarantee the security of lives and properties during the celebrations.
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