Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State on Thursday charged the State Ministry of Culture and Ijaw National Affairs and the Council for Arts and Culture to develop a cultural calendar for the hosting of monthly cultural shows as well as an annual cultural carnival.

He gave the charge at a state dinner, in honour of the state Council of Arts and Culture for emerging the overall winner at the just concluded 29th National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking at the dinner, which held at the Diepreye Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Yenagoa, the Governor congratulated the council for their meritorious outing, noting that, tourism, arts and culture would be major revenue earners for the state, in the nearest future.

While urging the council to generate revenue and remit a certain percentage to the state government coffers, Governor Dickson stated that, the government would provide a monthly subvention to enable the council function optimally.

He said: “The government will continue to honour and reward those who go for gold in representing the state. You are champions of culture. Henceforth, you will participate in all annual festivals including that of Abuja.”

Governor Dickson, who announced the elevation Mrs. Payeboye Festus Lukor from an acting capacity to the substantive Director of the Council for Arts and Culture, described the staff of the council, as Champions of Culture. He assured that the government will continue to encourage them to participate in all annual festivals, including the Abuja carnival, as part of efforts to sustain their winning streak.

In his remarks, the Secretary to State Government, Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff, described the Council of Arts and Culture as a special and a talented group of Bayelsans, who have projected the state’s culture to the world.

In her brief remarks, the new Director of the Council for Arts and Culture, Mrs. Festus-Lukor, thanked the Governor for his financial and moral support, which spurred them to the top prize at the festival.

•Photo shows Governor Dickson.

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