AFAC 2017 records new benchmark — Runsewe

Otunba Segun Runsewe, the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, on Sunday, said the 2017 African Arts and Craft Expo have set a new benchmark within 10 years of its existence.
Runsewe said this at the closing ceremony of AFAC 2017 in Abuja.
He said the event had increased both domestic and international traffic into Abuja in the 21 days that it lasted.
He said: “Delegates from states, local governments, NGOs and higher institutions of learning attended the event in great numbers.
“Also, foreign countries and their over 250 exhibitors and officials contributed greatly to international tourist inflow.
“AFAC has provided both professional and social networking and mutual understanding across national borders and international divides.”
The NCAC boss also revealed the tremendous impacts recorded at the Skills Acquisition segment of AFAC.
He said NCAC recorded over 560 trainees acquiring various skills in bead making, cloth weaving, shoe making, hair-do, make up and ‘gelle’, e-marketing and waste to wealth programmes.
Runsewe said: “I therefore wish to appeal to government at all levels to support this initiative of the council.
“AFAC 2017 with the theme “Nigerian Crafts: Untapped Treasure” has achieved its objectives.”
Runsewe, however, said that the challenges before NCAC were to attract critical stakeholders in joining hands with council to develop a vibrant expo.
He stressed the need to leverage on the potential of arts and craft industry to drive the economic diversification policy of the current administration.
He appreciated President Muhammad Buhari “for the great support and interest given to the sector”.
He also thanked Senator Mathew Urhoghide, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, and his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ogbeide Ihama Omoregie, for their support and contributions.
He appreciated the Information and Culture Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Head of Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state and other stakeholders that made the 2017 AFAC a success.