By Tahav Agerzua
Benue’s combination of Leo Ukase and Odu John Odu, senior secondary school two and three students of Mt St Gabriel, Makurdi, lost narrowly, to their counterparts from Kaduna State by 44 points to 47.
The 16 year olds who hail from Gwer West and Ogbadibo local government areas respectively had come first at the North Central Zone before coming second in the finals.
Ukase, from Gwer West, and Odu, from Ogbadibo, both expressed excitement at the trip to Jos and participation in the festival for the first time and commended the state government for giving them the opportunity.
They said NAFEST gave them a platform to make friends and learn more about Nigeria’s indigenous cultures.
Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism, Rt Hon Mzenda Iho, congratulated the students for making the state proud and called on other participants to also win more laurels.
The state contingent is participating in the essay writing, childrens’ crafts, traditional cuisine, board games as well as fabrics and fashion competitions today.
It is also part of the Cultural Splendor with the Gbong Gwom Jos at his palace this evening.
