Protocols

History has a way of repeating itself. I congratulate everyone here present on this august occasion of the 34 th General Conference of UNESCO where we are all living witnesses to the renaissance of one of the most celebrated socio-cultural events in world history. It is heartwarming that the memory of FESTAC ‘77 still lingers 30 years after this gathering of global significance.

It is indeed commendable that at the instance of UNESCO, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) is on hand to remind us of the memory of FESTAC 77 again here in Paris where the original idea of FESTAC was first conceived and strategies for its realization perfected. CBAAC and indeed Nigeria is very grateful to all those individuals and organization that saw to the realization of the noble objectives of FESTAC ‘77 and more importantly to all those that have identified with every effort to sustain its gains and institutionalize its values and substance ever since.

The spirit of FESTAC transcends cultural dances or artistic display. The quality, spread and diversity of representation at the festival speak volume of its essence. It was (and still is) about unity, camaraderie, and brotherhood, extending the bond of friendship, creating consciousness and offering a platform for an enduring sense of belonging. We are seizing this opportunity to call for renewed interest in culture and education as fundamental variables for the institutionalization of sustainable peace and global security.

Permit me to also call on countries and communities that participated in FESTAC ‘77 to always look back and remember the motive behind the festival and support Nigeria and indeed CBAAC in its efforts to sustain the legacies of FESTAC '77 through assistance and co-operation in the areas of preservation augmentation and development of its collections.

Thank you.