For the second time in two years, Bayelsa State‎ has emerged overall best in the National Festival for Arts and Culture ‎(NAFEST) competition which came to a climax last Saturday.

Kaduna and Lagos stares came second and third respectively while Delta and Ogun states were joint fourth.‎

As expected, the back to back victory of the state has elicited positive reactions with the government describing it as a true reflection of the positive things Bayelsa is experiencing under the purposeful leadership of Governor Seriake Dickson.

The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, while congratulating the contingent on behalf of the government expressed delight that they could maintain the top position.

He assured them of the continuous support of the government to enable them win more national and international laurels and encouraged them to always aim high.

According to him 2017 has been a successful year for the state as recently the state Cultural Troupe that represented Nigeria and Africa at the K-POP World Festival in South Korea came tops while 22 year old Daniel Diongoli popularly known as Idyl emerged winner of the 2017 edition of The Voice Nigeria

“We are grateful to God for the success stories we are recording. It underscores the kind of leadership that His Excellency, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson is offering the state. As a government we are proud of our cultural troupes and we will do all that we can to continue to support them.”

The eventful week long programme showcased Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage which at the end saw Bayelsa State beating 17 other states and the FCT that took part in the festival.

The 2017 NAFEST which is the 30th edition had as its theme: Nigerian peace and unity, our pride and was hosted by Kaduna State.

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