NCAC’s Pre-INAC dinner builds cultural bridges for global unity

Arrangements have reached conclusive stages for this year’s International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo. In a statement issued by the Head of Media, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Dr. Dennis Olofu, “diplomats and representatives from over 28 countries gathered at Abuja’s Vue Novare Mall for the 2024 Pre-INAC Dinner.”

INAC is a yearly event hosted by NCAC.

“This dinner serves as a precursor to the upcoming International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo, creating a valuable platform for diplomatic representatives to connect with the NCAC, share ideas, and finalise arrangements for the event,” the statement said.

The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, expressed her happiness in being part of NCAC family and emphasised the significance of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) and the International Arts and Crafts Expo in showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. “These flagship programmes have become vibrant avenues for showcasing Nigeria’s cultural identity,” she stated, urging both stakeholders and the diplomatic community to harness NCAC’s cultural initiatives to build diplomatic bonds.

The Director General of the NCAC, Obi Asika, at the event, shared his vision for an enhanced INAC 2024, announcing expanded physical exhibitions and media presence for this year’s edition. He emphasised that participating nations would have the opportunity to present five-minute documentaries on their unique cultural traditions during the Expo, thereby reaching a global audience.

He commended the enduring and productive relationship between Nigeria, the Diplomatic community, and the Federal Government, noting that Pre-INAC Dinner has become a cherished tradition. He appreciated attendees for supporting NCAC’s mission to position Nigeria as a leader in the global cultural landscape.

The 17th edition of INAC 2024 will feature the biggest craft market with diverse crafts, cuisines, fashion and cultural display that will provide opportunity for networking, effective promotion and marketing for would-be sponsors.

INAC 2024 will run concurrently with National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) from November 18 to 30, 2024.

The Director General provided a glimpse into the upcoming NAFEST, scheduled to hold from November 22 to 30 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). With plans for enhanced international visibility, Asika stated that the event would bring attention to Abuja’s cultural richness and drive economic growth. Themed “Connected Culture,” NAFEST 2024 would feature an array of new programs designed to engage the global audience, including comedy shows, cultural troupe performances, sing-offs, book fairs, swag shows, danbe, dance competitions, and the famed “Jollof Wars” cooking competition.

The Director General took the opportunity to announce NCAC’s three key initiatives aimed at empowering Nigerian youth and expanding the nation’s creative economy’s horizon.

They are ICE (Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship): This platform will provide Nigerian youth with the skills and resources needed to excel in the cultural industries.

ORIGINS: A digital repository for cultural content, allowing users to retain ownership of their work and facilitating an intellectual property index for Nigerian cultural assets.

CLAP (Creative Leap Acceleration Program): Developed in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, CLAP is on a mission to expand Nigeria’s Cultural and Creative Economy to $100 billion by 2030, aiming to create 2 million jobs through training, mentorship, and resources for young creatives.

Themed “Connected Culture,” INAC 2024 aims to strengthen Nigeria’s arts, culture and creative economy sector, driving partnerships, investments, and skills development that will equip Nigeria’s youth for the future. “INAC is now a vital driver of cultural and economic growth,” Asika affirmed, encouraging diplomatic missions to leverage the Expo to showcase their national cultural identities and foster cross-cultural understanding.

His Excellency, Salaheddine Ibrahima, Dean of the Diplomatic Community and Cameroon’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, commended Asika’s leadership and NCAC’s role in promoting peace, social harmony, and international understanding through cultural exchange. Ibrahima urged all foreign missions to maximize the opportunities provided by the NCAC to showcase their nations’ cultural identities.

The dinner was garnished with some cultural performances including Mr. Kunle Ayo, an accomplished musician of over two decades and the vibrant display of the “Talking Drum” by the Performing Arts Department of NCAC, creating an atmosphere of celebration and unity.