The arts and craft market, which opened on Thursday, September 7 and lasted till September 9, had in attendance, local and international participants, the diplomatic corps and arts enthusiasts from more than 38 countries and 22 states across the country. There were also over 30 non- governmental organisations that equally participated actively through their exhibitions.
The exhibition featured apparels and embroideries, brass and metal designs, coral and jewelry designs, classic ceramics, decorative pottery, cultural souvenirs and delicious cuisine across the world, as well as captivating music and dance.
Beyond the exhibition and fanfare, over 200 participants were trained on different crafts during the expo and the best among them were given starter packages to help set up their own businesses. This has become the tradition since Runsewe took over the leadership of NCAC.
He believes art and culture hold the key to economy of the future, thus, empowering Nigerians to become economically self-reliant is the best way to address youth unemployment, insecurity and youths restiveness.
With the theme: “Networking Nigerian Crafts to the World,” this year’s expo equally served to launch the revival of what used to be the Abuja Cultural Market, located within the Permanent Site of NCAC and strategically behind the famous Yar’ Musa Adua Centre.
Runsewe said what led to the close down of former Cultural Market. Recall that prior to his assumption of office, the space was allegedly occupied by hoodlums and served as a hideout for armed robbers, who painted the image of the country in bad light.
“In fact, some powerful people who had interest in taking over and selling this government land attempted to lock me up. I said to them, if this were the only thing I will do for this country, I would recover this property.
“I succeeded in recovering the property. They threatened me with court cases. I said I would be happy to be the first Nigerian to be locked up for protecting the interest and integrity of Nigeria. They didn’t succeed. Many countries have their own. We should also have ours.
“The Cultural Market was not giving us a good image. The diplomatic community used to come to shop here. That time, there were not even enough toilets in this place. Now, I have built 20 modern toilets here.
“So, instead of going elsewhere to celebrate, you can just come here and do,” he said, adding: “These are what we want to replicate in every state. Government is trying to help the ordinary Nigerians. The shops here will go for a reasonable amount unlike plazas around this area that are so expensive. This is designed to empower the ordinary Nigerians; to help them make a living. This will reduce unemployment, crime in our society and make our country a better place to live in.”
Some of the participants, who spoke to The Guardian, commended organisers for the consistency and attempt to expand the scope yearly.
Ana Flavia, who represented Cuba, described the expo as a good way to showcase Nigerian culture and tradition. According to her, the event was colourful and well packaged.
Also speaking, Mr. Noor from Indonesia gave kudos to the organisers for providing such display of Nigeria’s art and culture.
For Jaafar Shafig Ibrahim, an Iranian exhibitor, “the event brought together divergent cultures and provided a platform for participants to learn from one another.”
He stressed that the Embassy of Iran was delighted to be part of the event.
Also, a representative of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Liu, who commended the DG for the opportunity, admitted that the event not only introduced them to Nigerian culture but also showed them different cultures from the different states that made up Nigerian.
The Head of Chancery, Bangladesh High Commission, Mr. Ahoduzzarnan Liton, extended his gratitude to Runsewe and the NCAC team for availing him and his country the opportunity to introduce Bangladesh culture, heritage and products to the people of Nigeria and other participants from other parts of the world.
At the end of the three-day event, Ogun State emerged the overall best exhibitor. It was followed by Taraba State, which took second position while Katsina and Kwara states came third. Kaduna and Ebonyi states were fourth as Borno State emerged fifth best.
Other awards include, the Best Pavilion Award, which went to India and Taraba State, Best Pavilion in Merchandising went to Indonesia and Kwara State; Best in Leather Works award went to Yobe, Katsina and Anambra states; awards for best Calabash Design and Decoration went to Bauchi, Adamawa and the Philippines while the Best in Pottery and Ceramics awards were clinched by the People’s Republic of China, Kaduna and Bulgaria while Lagos and Ebonyi States as well as Korea won in Woodworks.
