The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) is collaborating with Enugu State Government to host the 2026 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) to promote national unity and cultural diversity.
The Director-General of NCAC, Mr Obi Asika, on Friday in Abuja, said that the 2026 edition, with the theme “Connected Culture”, will bring together delegations from the 36 states.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the competition will take place in Enugu from Nov. 21 to Nov. 28.
Asika said that the eight-day competition will feature entertainment, cultural exchange, learning and national celebration activities.
“NAFEST 2026 will be filled with reimagined competitions, creative industry trainings, and major concerts to animate the eight days of connected culture. This year’s edition will bring delegations from across the states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), making the festival more accessible, engaging and relevant to younger Nigerians. We invite every state to bring its best as Nigeria comes together for eight unforgettable days of friendly competition, creativity, learning, unity and celebration,” Asika said.
The D-G said with the postponement of the 2025 edition, the council and Enugu government have renewed their commitment to delivering a connected national festival that reflects cultural diversity of contemporary Nigeria.
“With the state government’s participation, the festival will build on the refreshed competition formats introduced by NCAC at NAFEST 2024, talking about the “Swag Show” that celebrated Nigerian fashion, textiles, identity and personal style.
“Also, the “Dance off Naija” showcasing traditional and contemporary dance, as well as the “Sing off Naija” that brings Nigeria’s diverse musical traditions and new sounds together. We would not forget the “Naija Home Makeover” that reimagines Nigerian arts, crafts, fabrics and indigenous aesthetics for contemporary living spaces. Talk about Nigerian cuisine which is the “Jollof Wars” that celebrates the flavours, culinary creativity and competitive spirit of Nigerian cuisines.
“Together, these formats create a wide canvas for creative expression while demonstrating how Nigerian cultural traditions can inspire new products, experiences and markets,” Asika said.
Asika added that the council is partnering with the British Council and other leading industry organisations to offer training programmes in the creative sector to enhance Nigeria’s cultural heritage across board.
“NAFEST 2026 will provide a major platform for youth engagement, skills development and creative industry capacity building. Working with partners including the British Council’s Creative Hustle, the National Theatre, and other leading industry organisations.
“NCAC will deliver training programme and master classes across film, music, fashion, performing arts and the creative economy. These programmes will connect emerging creatives with experienced practitioners, institutions and industry leaders, providing practical knowledge, and pathways into Nigeria’s rapidly expanding cultural and creative economy,” he said.
He, therefore, called on corporate organisations, cultural institutions, media organisations and creative industry stakeholders to become a part of the national festival.
Speaking in the same vein, the Governor of Enugu, Dr Peter Mbah, said the state is ready to host Nigeria and the world.
“Enugu is ready to host Nigeria and welcome the world. The festival provides an opportunity to showcase the transformation of our state, warmth of our people and the richness of our cultural heritage. We are prepared to deliver a world-class festival that will allow visitors to experience Enugu as a leading destination for culture, tourism, investment and creativity,” Mbah said.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Enugu, Dame Ugochi Madueke, said that the state looks forward to sharing the best of the Coal City with the world.
“We are excited to welcome all artists, cultural delegations and visitors from across Nigeria and beyond to Enugu. NAFEST will give us the opportunity to showcase the beauty of our city and hospitality. We anticipate and Enugu is ready,” Madueke said.
NAN also reports that Enugu last hosted NAFEST in 2007. Nearly two decades later, Nigeria cultural Olympics is returning to the Coal City with a new chapter of history ready to be written.
(NAN)
