By Janefrances Chibuzor
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has deferred the 2025 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), saying the country needs a more fitting moment to host its foremost cultural showcase. The event, scheduled to begin today in Enugu State, was postponed after the Ministry assessed that the current wave of insecurity had cast a shadow over what should be a nationwide celebration.
In its statement, the Ministry explained that the Honourable Minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa, approved the postponement “after reviewing the national atmosphere and consulting with key stakeholders.” It said the decision was guided by the belief that a festival of NAFEST’s magnitude ought to hold when the mood of the country aligns with the values it embodies.
The Ministry stressed that NAFEST is not merely a series of performances but an important instrument of cultural diplomacy, unity, and national pride. With over 28 states already gathered in Enugu preparing to participate, the 2025 edition was set to send a strong message of confidence and cohesion.
Yet officials said the symbolic weight of the festival demanded careful timing. Hosting it at a period when many communities are contending with recent tragedies, they noted, would undermine its purpose and dilute its message. “The responsible choice is to pause,” the statement said, adding that the festival must be held in conditions befitting its spirit of collective joy and national honour.
The Ministry reaffirmed that the postponement does not diminish its commitment to cultural promotion. Instead, it said the delay will make room for an edition that fully reflects the country’s strength, hospitality, and unity. A new date will be confirmed after wider consultations with state governments, cultural bodies, and security agencies.
It also thanked participating states, cultural troupes, partners, and the public for their understanding, assuring them that a revitalised and more unifying NAFEST awaits once the national climate improves.
