The Chief Executive of Oshodi Arts Gallery, Mr Oluwaseyi Oshodi, has said that the Ondo State Arts and Cultural Festival tagged: ‘ONDOFEST’ will surpass the globally recognised FESTAC ’77 which took place in the country in 1977.

Oshodi stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Akure.

He disclosed that ONDOFEST 2018 will be held in December.

Oshodi, who is partnering with the State government to host the festival, said the event was designed to rejuvenate the dwindling interest in arts and culture among Nigerians, particularly after the FESTAC 77.

“After FESTAC in 1977, we haven’t really experienced a “broad-brush” cultural event that rolled out an all-encompassing arts form in Nigeria.

“Arguably, various attempts were made in isolation to either showcase a particular area of culture or to commemorate an annual occasion.

“And most cases were treated with foreign costumes and Western theatrical properties; therefore leaving room for mitigating criticism concerning the construct of our cultural potential.

“ONDOFEST 2018 is designed to address various questions concerning our cultural policy, the vitality of Nigerian arts and downrightly demonstrating the powers of unity for nation building,” he said.

Oshodi explained that arts and culture were some of the ways of bringing about togetherness in the society.

He maintained that the maiden edition of the ONDOFEST would immensely project the uniqueness of mixed cultural heritage of the state to the outside world.

“This maiden edition is entirely built around the unifying factors and oneness which is very peculiar to Ondo and as a model to drive peace and unity in Africa’s most populous country-Nigeria.

“In terms of cultural mix, Ondo is a multi-ethnic state with many decades of peaceful co-existence.

The state is peopled predominantly by Yorubas, who speak various dialects such as the Akoko, Akure, Apoi, Ikale, Ikare, Ondo, the Owo and a minority speaking Ijaw.

“The state is blessed with resourceful industrious and hospitable people.

Oshodi added that Ondo Arts & Cultural Festival would bring together the array of activities to narrate the fascinating history and the rich cultural heritage of the highly informed people.