By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Kogi State is making an impressive mark at the ongoing National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST 2024) in Abuja, with the state council of arts and culture advancing to the second round of the Traditional Board Game (Ayo) competition. The state’s representative, Mr. Samson Egene, popularly known as Soso, has been performing exceptionally well in the competition.
According to Elder Gabriel Edicha, the Secretary of Kogi State’s NAFEST delegation, Egene has delivered a strong performance, positioning the state as a strong contender for the Ayo title—an event Kogi State previously triumphed in during NAFEST 2020 in Plateau State.
In anticipation of approval from the state governor, His Excellency Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, Kogi entered four events for the competition: Trado-contemporary dance, Sing-off, Dance-off, and Traditional Board Game (Ayo). The Kogi delegation is optimistic that the State Council for Arts and Culture will continue to showcase its talent in these areas as the festival progresses.
A press release signed by the Public Relations Officer, Alhassan Halidu, confirmed the team’s confidence in their performance in the other events, and the team is hopeful that Governor Ododo will approve the release of additional funds for the rest of the artists to join their colleagues in Abuja.
The 2024 NAFEST, held from November 22 to 30, 2024, is themed “Connected Culture” and has seen vibrant cultural displays from across the nation. Kogi State’s performance has sparked excitement, with hopes high for continued success in the remaining competitions.
