Kogi Cultural Troupe To Represent Nigeria at 35th Surajkund Int’l Crafts Mela in India
The Kogi State Cultural Troupe have been picked to represent Nigeria at the 35th Edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in India.
The State Cultural Troupe was picked for the trip following her previous outings and outstanding records.
Out of the five States nominated for the trip including Anambra, Edo, Jigawa and Nasarawa, only Kogi surpasses them following her track records as Defending Champion of Abuja National Carnival – 2016, Nigeria’s Representative at Congo Brazzaville in 2017.
The Troupe also represented Nigeria in a Cultural festival in Tunisia in 2018, emerged Most Enterprising State in Nigeria at NAFEST 2020, crowned Best Costumed Cultural Troupe of the Federation at NAFEST 2021, among others.
The Kogi State Cultural Troupe is therefore expected to represent Nigeria and perform at the 35th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela at Surajkund Faridabad (Haryana) scheduled to begin from 20th March to 4th April 2022 in India.
The State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Salifu Isah Idachaba, in his reaction described such as a dream come true.
Hon. Idachaba who described Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello as a culture friendly Governor, noted that the Governor‘s effort at giving the Ministry a facelift was yielding results.
He appreciated Governor Bello for his relentless efforts at promoting the State, expressing optimism that the State Cultural Troupe will represent Nigeria and the State well at the event.
The State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism also hinted that the State Cultural Troupe are already undergoing COVID-19 Test ahead of the trip.
On her part, the State Director of Council for Arts and Culture, Mrs. Wosilat Owuda, who could not hold back her joy over the selection described Governor Bello as god-sent.
Mrs. Owuda said the State Cultural Troupe was ready for the performance, stressing that the Troupe have been up and doing at taking the world by surprise at the event.
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela is a mega cultural event showcasing the finest traditions of handicrafts, handlooms, culture and cuisine from all parts of India as well as foreign Nations.
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela sponsored by the host Country – India, has taken care of 90% of the expenses ranging from accomodation and flight tickets, but however expects the State to shoulder cost of Covid-19 Test of her contingents, Accomodation in Abuja before departure and other personal expenses.
The troupe, comprising 12 contingent from Kogi State with 3 national officials from the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, is expected to depart from Abuja on 17th March 2022 by Quatar flight QR 1434 by 20:05am and arrive at Delhi airport on 18th March 2022 by 20:15 hours.
