Creative Industry
NAFEST 2025 Postponed-Ministry Announces New Date Soon
Joel Ajayi
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy regret to announce the postponement of the 2025 edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), earlier scheduled to commence on Saturday, 21st November 2025 in Enugu State.
In a statement issued by the Senior Assistant Media & Publicity Office of the Honourable Minister
Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Nneka Ikem Anibeze, PhD on Friday in Abuja. Stated that, this decision follows a careful assessment of the national mood and the recent insecurity incidents that have caused pain and disruption across different parts of the country.
In solidarity with the affected families and communities, and out of deep respect for the lives lost, the Honourable Minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., in consultation with stakeholders, has approved the postponement of the festival to a later date.
NAFEST has always played a powerful role in nation-building. It brings Nigerians together, strengthens social cohesion, and offers a platform for cultural diplomacy and soft power. In fact, NAFEST remains one of the rare national events capable of projecting a different and more accurate picture of Nigeria—a picture of unity, inclusiveness, hospitality, and national confidence.
With over 28 states already present in Enugu preparing for the festival, this year’s edition was poised to send a strong message that our country is open, resilient, and united. However, given the current national mood, the Federal Government believes it is more respectful and responsible to postpone the festival rather than proceed at a time when many citizens are grieving.
The decision reflects our values of empathy, national unity, and collective sensitivity. A new date for NAFEST 2025 will be announced after further consultations with state governments, cultural institutions, and security agencies to ensure that when the festival holds, it does so in an atmosphere befitting the spirit of national celebration.
The Ministry appreciates the understanding and support of participating states, cultural troupes, partners, and the Nigerian public. Our commitment to showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity remains unwavering, and we look forward to delivering an even stronger and more unifying NAFEST at the appropriate time.
Business
NTDA: Naija Flavour Poised to Create Wealth, Empower SMEs, and Drive National Growth
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Olayiwola Awakan, has affirmed that the 2025 edition of Naija Flavour… Destination December will play a pivotal role in creating wealth, empowering local businesses, strengthening the creative economy, and accelerating national growth.
Scheduled for December 13, 2025, Naija Flavour will showcase a vibrant marketplace of culture, food, fashion, games, live theatre, and music. Designed as a platform for SMEs to increase visibility, attract customers, and build partnerships, the event aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the launching in Abuja on Friday, the DG described Naija Flavour as a strategic cultural tourism initiative that channels Nigeria’s identity, creativity, and entrepreneurial energy into economic impact.
“Naija Flavour has been conceptualised to generate wealth, empower local businesses, strengthen our creative economy, and build a tourism experience that sustains itself and stimulates national growth,” Awakan said.
He noted that Nigeria’s globally recognised Detty December culture has become a magnet for visitors seeking the country’s music, food, nightlife, and cultural vibrancy. NTDA, he explained, saw an opportunity to transform this natural phenomenon into a structured tourism product.
“Nigeria is not just a country; we are a global vibe. So, we asked ourselves: how do we package that vibe into a tourism experience that drives jobs, revenue, and international attention? Naija Flavour is our answer,” he said.
To amplify cultural tourism, NTDA also unveiled a theatrical production titled Echoes of the Drums—a celebration of unity, ecotourism, folklore, and Nigeria’s ancestral heritage. Written by Ola Awakan and directed by Isioma Williams, the production will serve as a centrepiece for cultural storytelling.
Awakan expressed appreciation for institutional partners including The Monoliza Abuja, NIHOTOUR, the National Troupe of Nigeria, CBAAC, NFVCB, and GOTHAD.
He called on the media, corporate bodies, SMEs, and creative entrepreneurs to support the movement and seize the opportunities Naija Flavour will unlock.
“Let the flavours travel. Let the world know that Nigeria is shaping tourism with innovation, entertainment, and economic impact,” he said.
Encouraging Nigerians and global visitors to save the date, he added: “Naija Flavour is a celebration of our diversity, creativity, and innovation. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we will continue to build a tourism industry that generates income, sustains jobs, and promotes national pride. Let the drums speak. Let the flavours rise. Let Nigeria shine.”
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News11 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
