(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/nigeria-flag-300x224.jpg) North Central State Governments have been called upon to include the Radio, Television, Theatre Arts Workers Union of Nigeria Festival (RATTAFEST) in the budget of Arts and Culture to enable the festival achieve its objectives. Currently, only Niger State Government has that budgetary allocation to RATTAFEST.
Mr. Aliyu Sadiq Mohammed, RATTAFEST North Central chairman, who made this appeal at the opening ceremony of RATTAFEST 6TH edition, at the Township Stadium Lokoja, said the crux of the festival is to provide platform for Nigerians and hosting States in particular to experience and appreciate the historical and cultural realities of Nigeria and also to tie friendship.
Kogi State chairman of RATTAWU, Reverend Itodo Joseph, revealed to the public that RATTAFEST served as a veritable tool in preaching peace, unity and harmonious co-existence among the youths. This, he said, informs why the participation of our local governments' troupes is always encouraged; "furthermore, the festival has been used as a tool to strengthen and extend the frontiers of Government relationship with labour as partners in progress."
RATTAFEST is an annual cultural fiesta organized by RATTAWU North Central Zone. The festival was initiated in 2007 at the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) in Makurdi. The first edition was hosted by Plateau State in 2008; since then the festival has been hosted by all the States in the North Central zone with the exception of Kwara and Kogi States.
RATTAFEST is a festival of artistry, pageantry and competitiveness by media people across the North Central zone. The activities include, dancing, singing, wrestling, skating, etc.
The programme commenced with an opening ceremony, a carnival and wrestling competition.
The second day was to feature series of lectures and performances by various cultural troupes across the participating States and it will be rounded up on 29th June with a grand finale award giving ceremony.
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Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria