©2024 Edo State Government
For the first time since its inception in 40 years (1970), Edo State successfully hosted the 32nd Edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) from 19th to 26th October, 2019 with the theme: Our Royalty, Our Pride. Thirty (30) States of the federation were in attendance, thereby recorded the highest number of states participation ever. There were over 395,000 delegates and visitors at the 7-days event. An over N3 billion estimated revenue accrued to the State. Moreover, Over 2,000 youths were registered, trained and given certificates in various vocational skills
Renovation of some Tourism Assets, such as the Captain Philip Grave, Oba Ovoranmwen Rest Place in 2017. The renovations attracted over 600 students from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and the University of Ilorin, Kwara State in 2018 and 2019 respectively. The Tourists were on Educational Tour to Captain Philips’ Tomb Stone to explore the historic significance of the British soldier’s Tomb side
Celebration of the World Culture Day in 2017, 2018 and 2019. This annual world event was held on the 21st of May, 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively. Local Government Areas in the State participated with their cultural Troupes to promote, propagate and preserve the Cultural Heritage of Edo state.
The State Government, through the Ministry, collaborated with the organizers of Ososo Festival and Igarra-Aba Drum Festival in 2017. Aba Drum Festival was held in August 24th -26th, 2017 and it attracted thousands of Tourists.
In June 2019, Edo State Government hosted a 52-man delegation of African-American Tourists under the auspices of the ‘Africa Focus Incorporated of Los Angeles, California.’ The Afro-American returnee-tourists traced their roots to Edo State as part of their RETURN TO AFRICA Campaign. The visit further exposed and propagated the rich cultural heritage of the State and expanded its tourist attraction network.
Hosted the American and German Ambassadors to Nigeria in 2017 and 2018 respectively for the purpose of creating a conducive environment for Edo indigenes in the Diaspora.
Stakeholders meetings with Edos in Germany, Brussels, Antwerp, Ireland, London, Canada and France in 2017 and 2018 to promote the attractive Cultural Heritage and conducive investment climate in the State.
The State Government held Town Hall Meetings with Edo indigenes in Germany and the Nigerian Embassador in Berlin, Germany on April 3, 2018 to promote Edo Cultural Heritage, continue the dialogue and conversation for the repatriation of Edo stolen artifacts in Europe and other parts of the world. When repatriated, the art works, would make Edo State the preferred tourist destination in Nigeria, boost her economic development by creating jobs and promoting its rich Cultural Heritage
The World Mother Language Day was successfully organized for the first time on February 21st, 2019 with the theme: “Indigenous Language: Matter for Development, Peace Building and Reconciliation”. The event was aimed at preserving, promoting and protecting Edo indigenous languages. It was well attended by Palace Chiefs, relevant stakeholders, Teachers, and Students from the three senatorial zones of the State. The students thrilled the audience with; Recitations, indigenous Games, Drama, News Casting, Riddles and Jokes, Story Telling, Poems and Counting in Edo local languages.
In 2018, 2019 and 2020, the Ministry conducted in-house Training, promotions, advancement and Inter-Cadre transfer for eligible and qualified staff for its Staff and the Edo State Council for Arts and Culture. The exercises significantly boosted the staff’s job satisfaction, proficiency, productivity and capacity.
The Ministry led top Government Functionaries to the 2nd Blue Cube International Arts Festival in Hangzhou, China in October 2019 to promote the Cultural and Tourism attraction of Edo State and building strong Diaspora ties between Edo State and China.
Nine (9) years after the Maiden Edition of EDOFEST, Edo State Festival of Arts and Culture was celebrated in a grand style in 2017 and 2018. It was a 5 day event that featured Seminar, Carnival/Road Shows, Music, Award Nite, Film Premiere and Exhibitions. The event also presented opportunity for all the LGAs in the State to showcase their enviable Cultural and Tourism potentials to the world.
Rebranded the Edo Cultural Troupe for better professional performance, revenue generation and cultural promotion.
Inauguration of Culture Clubs in Secondary Schools in the State in February 2018 to ensure timely transmission of the virtues of the State’s Cultural Heritage to the Future Generations through Cultural Clubs. There where over 500 students and 70 schools represented from across the three Senatorial Districts of the State.
Inauguration of Cultural Ambassadors in Germany, Canada, United States of America, UK and several other countries in Europe and America to promote and propagate the rich Cultural Heritage of the State
Over 35 staff of Edo State Information Communication and Technology Agency (ICTA) were absorbed into into the Ministry to boost its staff strength and improve productivity.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, discovered Okokpon/Obaretin Hot Water Spring in Ovia South West Local Government Area. The project which was initially a Water Project produces hot water instead of the normal water and rises to the height of over thirty (30) feet above the sea level without a pumping machine
The government established Creative and Innovative Hubs to boost Job Creation, Revenue Generation, Local Film Production, Skill Acquisition and Talent discovery in the State
The Edo State governor, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki led a delegation on a Collaboration with Edos in the Diaspora in a UK Investment Summit and Edo Culture and Business Summit in Canada in September 2018 that attracted huge foreign investors’ interest in Edo State.
© EDO STATE GOVERNMENT 2024