The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, has assured the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) of his support for commemorating the 45th anniversary of the Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC’77).

Mr Onyeama, in a statement on Friday, gave the assurance when CBAAC director-general Oluwabunmi Amao paid him a courtesy visit on Thursday in Abuja.

CBAAC is saddled with the responsibility of commemorating FESTAC’77 scheduled for November. FESTAC’77, also known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (the first was in Dakar, 1966), was a major international festival held in Lagos from January 15 to February 12, 1977.

The month-long event celebrated African culture and showcased its music, fine art, literature, drama, dance and religion to the world — about 16,000 participants, representing 56 African nations and countries of the African diaspora, performed at FESTAC’77.

The minister recalled wonderful memories of FESTAC’77 and assured the centre of his support.

He said the ministry would give seamless cooperation for the event’s success, adding that it would be happy to help and do whatever was required by being part of the planning.

Ms Amao, while briefing the minister on preparation for the festival, said, “The centre has commenced preparation to mark the anniversary with a programme titled ‘Celebrating Black and African Arts and Civilization: Reliving FESTAC’77 at 45’. This is scheduled to hold in November 2022 in Abuja.”

She informed the minister that part of the plans of CBAAC for the celebration was to engage countries that participated at FESTAC’77 and disclosed that other nations having bilateral relations with Nigeria, especially in the areas of cultural exchange and development, would be engaged.

“The centre felt compelled to seek the involvement of the ministry of foreign affairs in the successful planning of the upcoming event,” she said.

Ms Amao also mentioned that the event required the ministry’s collaboration as the institution responsible for the bilateral interface with other foreign countries.

(NAN)