Entertainment
Participants Showcase Nigerian Culture At NAFEST 2018
Port Harcourt, the capital city of Rivers State is in a festive mood as arts and culture take centrestage in the ongoing 2018 edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) holding in the city amidst pomp and funfare.
The state capital is playing host to participants from 18 states of the country as well as a large number of tourists and observers within and outside the country who have stormed the state capital for the showcasing of Nigeria’s culture, arts, crafts and fashion among others.
The weeklong national event which holds in the state capital from October 21 to October 27, 2018 with the theme “Nigeria Peace and Unity, our Pride” has also ushered in massive commercial activites in the state, hotels and other relaxation joints, markets are already making brisk business, a situation which is a big boost to the state economy and by extension Nigeria as a nation due to the large turnout of people and investors from all walks of life. Business operators are full of praises for the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for hosting the yearly festival of unity.
The big event which kicked off with the unveiling of the NAFEST Mascot and theme song by the state governor, His Excellency Chief (Barr) Nyesom Wike was well attended by the who is who in the society and other stakeholders. The governor noted that the ceremony signifies the beginning of activities for NAFEST 2018.
He said “it is a pleasure that Rivers State is hosting the entire country once again, this shall provide the platform for the entire country to witness first hand culture and tradition of our people. This festival will further emphasize that Rivers State is peaceful and best destination for investment in the country, is also best destination for tourism.” He urge all stakeholders to work together to ensure success of the event.
Also speaking at the event, the Rivers State commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs Tonye Oniyide said “the Mascot 2018 is a duck which lives on both land and water just like the landscape of the state.” According to her, “the mascot signified peace, friendship and goodluck which are the hallmark of NAFEST 2018.
Earlier in a statement, the Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe stated that the council was fully prepared to showcase the glamour of Nigeria’s diverse culture to the world. He was upbeat that 2018 NAFEST would be the best ever following the massive equipment and facilities including the mass exodus of stakeholders from all parts of the world to Rivers State.
The DG commended particularly the high level of involvement of Rivers State youths who according to him are ready to take full advantage of the benefits from numerous youths empowerment components initiated by NCAC. He also urged stakeholders and indeed Nigerians to support NAFEST 2018 as a unifying force for cultural integration and harmony just as he affirmed the NCAC’s total commitment in projecting Nigeria’s rich culture throughout the cultural fiesta.
Runsawe thanked Governor Wike and the good people of the state for aligning with NCAC in its drive towards a successful hosting of NAFEST which according to him is a reaffirmation of the governor’s commitment to hosting the best NAFEST ever.
Highlights of the eventful week include registration of participants, free medical services, balloting for presentation of competitive events and official opening ceremony. Others are opening of cultural market at Isaac Boro Park, indigenous fabric competition, cultural roundtable on entrepreneurship, Ayo competition as well as traditional wrestling competition, dance drama and tales by moonlight children’s essay writing/craft competition, reception of children participants, by Her Excellency the wife of the state governor, Her Excellency, Hon. Justice Sussette Nyesom Wike and boat regatta also took centre stage during the event, including command performance and cultural gulf tournament followed by the closing date slated for Saturday October 27 2018.
NAFEST was introduced in 1970 as a vehicle to foster unity among the various sections of the country after the Nigerian civil war. Since then the body has contributed meaningfully to the nation’s economy and unity of the country.
Entertainment
“The Legal Day” 2025: Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Moves to Promote French Via Law
In a bid to promote the French language through law and build bridges between communities the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Nigeria has organized the 2025 edition of “La Journée du Droit” (“The Legal Day”)
The event which took place at Alliance Française auditorium was a civic and linguistic celebration designed to help learners of French Language and young citizens discover the importance of law in everyday life.

The Tide Entertainment reports that the event featured interactive quiz sessions, exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa and beyond, pointing out both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
Throughout the day, the event featured interactive quiz sessions exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa, and beyond, highlighting both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
The initiative was aimed at encouraging reflection on the rights and responsibilities shared by all citizens and to promote the values of justice, equality, and mutual respect through the French language.
The programme which had two sessions, (Morning and Afternoon session) witnessed the participation of about 150 students from various levels of education. Ranging from the Primary, Secondary, and tertiary institution for an engaging experience of civic and legal concepts.

Schools in attendance included Surebloom International School, Pleroma High School, Casterly Rock Secondary School, and TotalEnergies Port Harcourt School.
The morning sessions saw the Participation of Alliance Française students in an interactive quiz, enhancing their French comprehension while exploring civic notions.
While the Afternoon session had students from the University of Port Harcourt – UNIPORT (French Language and Law Departments), students from the French Department from both Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State University joined in the final rounds of the competition.
According to the director of Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal, all quiz questions were presented in French, then translated into English to ensure full understanding by participants, saying that winners received special prizes, as all attendees took home souvenirs from the educational and convivial event.
Mrs Lacal said that the diplomatic and educational initiative event “La Journée du Droit” (The Legal Day) sought to promote the French language through law, highlight the capacity of law to build bridges between communities and emphasize law as one of the pillars of French diplomacy.
“Through this initiative, the Alliance Française Port Harcourt continues its mission to foster intercultural dialogue, civic awareness, and the learning of French as a language of knowledge, culture, and citizenship,”?she?added.
Entertainment
World Music Day: Alliance Française Port Harcourt Showcases Talents
The Garden City of Rivers State Port Harcourt at the weekend joined other parts of the world to celebrate the World Music Day, 2025, as Alliance Française showcases talents.
The event which is internationally known as Fête de la musique was held at cultural hall of the Alliance Française was a remarkable concert with memorable experience.
The event brought together music lovers, students, Artistes and members of the community For an exciting evening live performances and cultural exchange.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the world Music Day, which was created 1982 in France by the then Minister of culture, Jack Lang, ‘ Fête de la Musique’ is now celebrated in more than 100 countries every 21st June, marking the first day of summer with free concerts and musical showcases in public spaces.
In Port Harcourt, the Alliance Française honoured the tradition by spotlighting four(4) emerging artistes offering a platform to young talents shaping the city’s contemporary scene.
The audience enjoyed an unforgettable moments as they were entertained by the powerful performances from Preach A, who is known for blending fitness culture with spoken words and rhythm.
Also, artiste Emmayany delivering a vibrant fusion of afrobeat and afro pop. A singer, song writer and a performing artiste with a distinct sound.
Others were Amarachy Uko, a sensational singer with passion for soul , R&B, pop music and afrobeat.
While DJ Prospel closed the night with an energetic DJ set that got the entire hall dancing.
Earlier, the Director, Alliance Française, Port Harcourt Mrs Marina Lacal high lighted the mission of the Alliance Française saying that the event was more than a concert.
According to her, the event was put together by the Alliance Française to promote cultural diversity and foster artistic expression by connecting a long standing French tradition with creativity of the local music scene, adding that the event offerers an avenue for dialogue between culture and generations.
She stated that the event is used to promote professional and bring amateur artistes to limelight via the platform of the Alliance Française which is aimed at promoting the French Language through cultural heritage.
She explained that the celebration is also a broader series of Fête de la musique activities organized by the 10 Alliance Française across Nigeria in sync with concerts held in France and around the world simultaneously.
She further noted that the occasion reaffirms the role of Alliance Française as a cultural bridge, one where French heritage meets the pulses of Nigerian youth.
It would be recalled that no fewer than 19 artistes applied to perform at the event in Port Harcourt, but only four got approval for appearance.
Entertainment
PMAN Set To Implement Performance Levy ‘Tomorrow
The Governor of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, Comrade Moses Mabadeje popularly known as Mozy B said that the body has announced plans to implement performance Levy on artistes in the state with effect from 21st June.
This was carried in a statement released to The Tide Entertainment, yesterday by the Deputy Governor of the association, Comrade Abiye Howells.
According to the Governor, the announcement was made by PMAN, the only governing body that regulates the music profession in Nigeria, as authorized by the Government of Nigeria, in line with the Trade Union Act.
He stated that those affected by the Levy include (Non members)bands, groups, Hotels, Bars, lounges, Event Centres, show organizers, promoters and other stakeholders hosting events which feature live music performances within the State.
However, the Levy does not apply to members of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria. (PMAN).
Comrade Moses Mabadeje, explained that this drive is aimed at financing the association and supporting the welfare and interest of musicians as outlined in Article 8 of the PMAN constitution as amended (2023). Consequently, a PMAN task force has been set up to enforce and swing into action to effect this move.
He further said that event organizers, promoters and owners of event centers are expected to comply with this regulation as the Governor has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the association to ensure the successful implementation of the levy and the peaceful co-existence between PMAN and Stockholders.
Nancy Briggs
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