The South East Creative Space (SECS) has condemned the cancellation of the approved venue for the 6th edition of South East Food and Fashion Festival.
It alleged that Okpara Square was approved for the festival by the relevant authorities in Enugu, and the official charges duly paid for the event scheduled to take place between November 16 and November 17, lamenting that the arrangement was, however, cancelled less than 24 hours to the commencement of the event.
Briefing newsmen in Enugu yesterday (Friday, December 6) Mr Uche Gabriel, PresidentofSECS, insisted that organiser of the event, Chinaza Onyia, followed the due process and got all the necessary approval for the venue but that it was cancelled by the Enugu Tourism Board, the managers of the arena.
According to him, the cancellation not only jeopardised months of planning but also set a damaging precedent for the creative and entrepreneurial industries in the region.
“The South East Food and Fashion Festival has consistently served as a vital platform for showcasing the region’s creativity, promoting tourism and driving economic growth,” Gabriel said.
“It is, therefore, disheartening that despite following due process in securing approval and making necessary payments, the organiser was denied access to the venue at short notice.
“We are shocked to learn that a religious group used the same venue just a week later, and it is scheduled for future state functions.
“This treatment raises troubling questions about equity and fairness in the management of public spaces.”
He said following the festival’s cancellation, the Enugu State Government invited the festival organiser, Chinaza Onyia, for talks.
“However, we are deeply disappointed that no tangible actions have been taken to address or remedy the situation.
“This delay further deepens the frustration felt by the creative community and undermines trust in government institutions,” he said.
He demanded compensation for financial and reputational losses incurred by subscribers and organisers.
“The government must implement clear, equitable policies for the allocation of public spaces, ensuring inclusivity,’’ he said.
When contacted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the Executive Chairman, Enugu Tourism Board, Mrs Rita Mbah, declined to comment.
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