From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa Food and Art Festival organizers, BFAF, have called on Bayelsans to support the festival, which has elevated Bayelsa and, by extension, the Ijaw nation to global prominence.
The festival director, Mr Sly Sede in an interview on the hosting of the 8th edition of the festival tagged ‘The Olotu Edition’ (For champions) urged Bayelsans to own the festival.
According to him with over 75 vendors and 8, 000 attendees for the four-day event, the BFAF remains the best platform to showcase the culture and tradition of Bayelsans to the outside world.
Sede noted that countries like South- Africa and Australia after reviewing the essence of the festival have commended it for its value in highlighting the culture and traditions of the people.
He disclosed that the theme for the 8th Edition was to celebrate champions which the festival had produced.
‘’ It was designed to showcase Bayelsa’s local delicacies, explore the arts, and celebrate the culture of Bayelsans through food and the arts. After reviewing the achievements of past editions, the organisers decided to make this year’s edition a gathering of champions. He stated that the festival was not a Bayelsan thing but a global event recognised worldwide.
‘’The festival is recognised in countries outside Nigeria. We need to give it more support. I was in South Africa and Australia to sell the festival. I think it is about time Bayelsans began to appreciate what we have.’’
On its significant contributions to the development of the state, Sede pointed out that BFAF is making Bayelsa a tourist destination.
‘’ It has promoted Bayelsa on global platforms where local delicacies and various forms of art are celebrated. It has also created a platform for dozens of local businesses to launch and thrive. Lastly, it is making Bayelsa a desired destination,’’ he added.