FCT SCHOOLS GEAR UP FOR NAFEST 2025

…60 STUDENTS COMPETE FOR SPOTS TO REPRESENT THE CAPITAL IN ENUGU

By: Shaka Sunday and Umoru Blessing Ojone

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Department of Arts and Culture has brought together 12 secondary schools and about 60 students for the preliminary competition to select representatives for the 2025 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), scheduled to hold in Enugu.

Speaking during the event, the Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat (SDS), Ibrahim Aminu, described the competition as a crucial step in choosing schools that will represent the FCT at the national festival later this month.

The Mandate secretary who was represented by Director Administration, SDS, Dr. Nasiru Shindali emphasized that the exercise goes beyond winning, noting that it is designed to nurture talent, build confidence, and inspire pride in Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

“The preliminary competition is not just about selecting winners, it is about nurturing young talents, building their confidence, and inspiring pride in our shared heritage. Our students are the true custodians of our culture the bridge between our glorious past and our dynamic future.” Aminu said.

He commended teachers, coaches, and the Arts and Culture Department for their consistent efforts in preparing students who have made the FCT proud in past editions of NAFEST.

The Mandate Secretary expressed optimism that this year’s participants would uphold the tradition of excellence, urging them to show discipline, dedication, and the spirit of sportsmanship.

In her goodwill message, the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, SDS, Aina Modupe, praised the Department of Arts and Culture for its unwavering commitment to preserving FCT’s cultural heritage and nurturing young talents.

She encouraged the students to give their best and aim to emerge as national champions in Enugu.

Earlier, in her opening remarks, the Director of the FCT Department of Arts and Culture, Ngozi Ogugua, highlighted that NAFEST 2025 promises to be a grand celebration of Nigerian arts and culture, showcasing the nation’s diversity and creative excellence.

She explained that the preliminary contest includes Children’s Arts and Crafts, Essay Writing, and Cultural Quiz competitions, all designed to test students’ creativity, knowledge, and cultural awareness.

Ogugua also commended the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for their continued support, particularly through timely funding releases that have sustained the department’s programmes and initiatives.

She urged the participants to put in their best efforts, reminding them that the goal is not just to compete but to bring glory to the FCT at the national level.

“When you get to Enugu, ensure you come out on top in all your events and make the FCT proud,” she charged the students.