Plateau Assembly calls for sustainability of PLAFEST

Plateau State House of Assembly has called on Plateau State Government to direct the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality to activate and sustain the annual celebration of Plateau Festival of Arts and Culture (PLAFEST).

The call was made in a motion moved at the floor of the House on Tuesday by member representing Langtang North Central, Nanbol Listick at Old Government House, Rayfield, the temporary sitting venue of the Assembly.

Listick also called on the State Government to provide adequate funds for the celebration of PLAFEST 2024/205 and subsequent celebration thereafter.

He wants the Government to encourage public servants and civil servants to dress in their cultural attire once a week in the month that PLAFEST will be celebrated in order to promote the rich cultural heritage of Plateau State.

The member noted that Plateau State is known as the home of peace and tourism, endowed with many tourist attractions in all its Local Government Areas.

“It is our collective responsibility to package these tourist potentials that will reposition Plateau State as the foremost tourist destination in Nigeria which will further boost its IGR hence, reduce over dependence on Federal allocations.

“This can be achieved by showcasing and harnessing our rich cultural heritage and tourist attractions through annual celebration of Plateau Festival of Arts and Culture (PLAFEST) which will attract and motivate tourists all over the world to learn, discover, experience and consume both the tangible and intangible cultural attractions and products in Plateau State.

“Annual celebration of PLAFEST will also attract International Communities to provide support in strengthening Plateau cultural tourism policy frameworks, strategies and enhance development that will benefit humanity.” Nanbol Listick added.

He said PLAFEST will be used to preach love, peace and unity in Plateau State and Nigeria, adding that without peace, there can be no social harmony or conducive environment for meaningful development.

During the plenary, the House also reconstituted Standing Committees of the House for effective discharge of their roles.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan used the occasion to congratulate Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda on his appointment and subsequent inauguration as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Plateau at the National Executive Council.