Today, the second day of the prestigious International Arts and Crafts Expo, in the city of Abuja, will herald talks on values of culture as peace harbinger to National development, on the podium of the investment forum of the expo where solutions to Nigeria”s socioeconomic road map will be highlighted and evaluated.
On its 15th edition, and transformed from Africa Arts and Crafts exposition ( AFAC) to International Arts and Crafts Expo ( INAC) and geared towards networking Nigerian crafts to the world, the trade show, with 29 countries in attendance and seventeen states representatives, will Anchor today a thorough review of the role of Culture in driving peace as bastion of national development.
Professor Bakut T. Bakut, Director General, Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution, will mount the podium, and expressly navigate the topic, drawing from his experience to situate the recalibration of cultural values as vehicle to national development while celebral “comrade ” and chief executive of National Institute For Cultural Orientation ( NICO), Ado Yahuza sets the discussion agenda for deep unveiling of the topic, its various templates of practical economic , political and social imperatives for advancing national development.
Also, Dr Joseph Tyoakula Ande, of Department of Theatre Arts, University of Abuja, will join Ado Yahuza on this plane of interpretative excursion, to make plain issues desirable in Nigeria’s cultural renaissance, including its Arts and crafts, festivals to drive national development.
There’s no denying that culture remains the vehicle of national unity and cohesion, particularly as at this difficult and trying times of our nation.
And with over 29 foreign countries, showcasing their crafts and Arts history and economic values, with full ambassadorial and diplomatic presence, INAC, under the watch and internationalisation by Otunba Segun Runsewe, has again underscored a Brand faith in Nigeria despite challenges of insecurity.
Speaking on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the expo yesterday, Runsewe affirmed that the culture sector is undoubtedly the game changer in the mobilisation of local and international influencers in the quest to build a peaceful world and nations, and effort needed for developmental milestones, from all ramifications.
” we have to be consistent, strong and determined in Nigeria to tell our stories, give other nations and people opportunities to share ideas, trade and understand our cultural value chains. INAC is a vehicle not only to drive sensitization investment in our Arts and crafts, it is also a channel to integrate and provide platforms for other countries to share their cultural tourism policies and investment opportunities that could help bring peace and unity to mankind” Runsewe futher explained.
The three days Expo which began on Thursday, and will end on Saturday, features leather and interior design, Raffia and wood works, Apparels and Embroidery, skill acquisition sessions for women and youths, Decorative pottery, metal design, cultural souvenirs, cuisines Beads and Hand made Bronze, music and culture dance.