The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) is collaborating with Enugu State Government to host the 2026 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) to promote national unity and cultural diversity.
The Director-General of NCAC, Mr Obi Asika, on Friday in Abuja, said that the 2026 edition, with the theme “Connected Culture”, will bring together delegations from the 36 states.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the competition will take place in Enugu from Nov.
Asika said that the eight-day competition will feature entertainment, cultural exchange, learning and national celebration activities.
“NAFEST 2026 will be filled with reimagined competitions, creative industry trainings, and major concerts to animate the eight days of connected culture.
This year’s edition will bring delegations from across the states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), making the festival more accessible, engaging and relevant to younger Nigerians.
We invite every state to bring its best as Nigeria comes together for eight unforgettable days of friendly competition, creativity, learning, unity and celebration,” Asika said.
The D-G said with the postponement of the 2025 edition, the council and Enugu government have renewed their commitment to delivering a connected national festival that reflects cultural diversity of contemporary Nigeria.
“With the state government’s participation, the festival will build on the refreshed competition formats introduced by NCAC at NAFEST 2024, talking about the “Swag Show” that celebrated Nigerian fashion, textiles, identity and personal style.
“Also, the “Dance off Naija” showcasing traditional and contemporary dance, as well as the “Sing off Naija” that brings Nigeria’s diverse musical traditions and new sounds together.
We would not forget the “Naija Home Makeover” that reimagines Nigerian arts, crafts, fabrics and indigenous aesthetics for contemporary living spaces.
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