No less than 45 African countries had indicated their interests to participate in the forthcoming celebration of Festac77 @ 40 that would start on April 1 across the country.
Dr Ferdinand Anikwe, the Director-General, Centre for Black Arts and Africa Civilization (CBAAC) disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to him, Japan, Canada, the United States of America, China and other developed countries outside Africa had also shown interests in participating.
Festac 77, also known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, was held in Lagos from Jan.15, 1977 to Feb.12, 1977and 59 countries participated.
The month-long event celebrated African culture and showcased to the world African music, fine art, literature, drama, dance and religion.
Several countries showcased their artworks at the National Theatre, the Nigerian National Museum and some places around the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), then.
According to toAnikwe, activities marking the celebration will hold simultaneously in no less than 10 states including the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) where one of the anniversary’s mascots will be unveiled on April 1, 2017.
“The anniversary’s mascots will be unveiled simultaneously on April 1 in Abuja, Abeokuta and Addis-Ababa in Ethiopia.
“That of Abuja will take place at the International Conference Centre, which is the opening ceremony.’’
He said that the event would kick off on April 1 to end in December, adding that different cultural displays would be held in some states: Katsina, Enugu, Ogun, Kaduna, Akwa- Ibom and more.
“ We are going to have a Durbar display in Katsina, there will be masquerade festivals in Enugu and the rolling out of 40 drums in Abeokuta, which is the symbol of Festac 77.
“ All ethnic chanters will be on ground and there will be the recitation of poems, staging of plays, and the singing of indigenous songs.
“This celebration will coincide with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s 80th birthday anniversary that is why Abeokuta is playing a leading role.’’
General Olusegun Obasanjo was the military head of state in 1977 when Nigeria hosted Festac 77.
The D-G said that the event was going to be one of the most spectacular cultural events in the history of the country as participants would be transported from designated airports to their choice destinations.
“There are plans for international tourists to be transported from the airports to their desired destinations during the celebrations because there will be activities in all the parts of the country.
“ I am so glad to be among those that are planning for Festac77 at 40 because in 1977 was when I wrote the West African School Certificate Examinations (WASCE). I can’t forget that in a hurry,” Anikwe said.
