KADFEST 2017 OPENING

Festival of Arts and Culture-KADFEST 2017 was declared opened by the Chief of staff,
Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'idu who represented the
Governor.
Addressing participants from the 23 Local Government Areas of the state at the opening ceremony with the theme: "Our Folklore: Harnessing Today As Tomorrow's Heritage", held
at Murtala Square, Kaduna, Governor el-Rufai noted with enthusiasm that, "the role of Arts and Culture is gaining more recognition in the current globalisation, just as our folklore provide invaluable insight into our historical existence".
According to him, "Our rich Cultural heritage keeps our memories alive on how beliefs and Cultural expressions have contributed to the development of our society".
In his speech, the host who is also the Commissioner, Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, Hon. Daniel Dan Auta noted that," Since inception in 1975, KADFEST has served effectively as one of the veritable forums for the promotion of unity and peaceful co-existence
among the diverse cultural complexes in Kaduna
state.
Speaking further, Governor el-Rufai noted that, the theme of the event was aptly captured which is aimed at exploring the extant values that have bonded the people through promoting cultural ties and facilitating understanding among  diverse communities in Kaduna state as well as the provision of opportunities and platform for interaction and exchange of ideas.
According to the Governor, the event is informed by the need for the state to tap its vast and robust cultural and arts
potentials and re-oriented our people for socio- economic and political transformation of the state and the country in general. He urged the 23 local governments to take their participation in 2017 KADFEST so seriously because it is the doorway to their successful hosting and participation in the 2017 edition of the National Festival for Arts and Culture -NAFEST, which Kaduna state has accepted to host