The director-general of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Olusegun Runsewe, has described the annual National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) as a potent platform for enhancing national unity and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Runsewe, also the chairman of the national planning committee for the 35th edition of NAFEST, said the national fiesta should be kept away from the misgivings in the industry.

He said it was improper for stakeholders to indulge in acts that would portray the NAFEST project in bad light before the national and international public.

The director-general stressed that NAFEST should be portrayed as a festival of national unity and peaceful co-existence.

He said the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, had supported NAFEST and all programmes of the NCAC.

Mr Runsewe stated that culture remains a critical vehicle for international diplomatic relations apart from fostering national cohesion.

He said culture should be distanced from certain irritations, especially with the nation’s preparation for the 35th edition of NAFEST.

”The world is watching how the nation is going to keep its very deep cultural diversity intact as a tool for tourism promotion.

 “I urge players in the industry to carefully understand the roles of culture as a unifier. We need to be circumspect in pursuing disagreements.

”It is more profitable to seek peaceful means of resolution. NAFEST is for peaceful engagements. Let us use it to showcase the love for our fatherland,” he said. 

(NAN)