Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-0lu is not a magician yet he seems to dominate the visual sequence of the ongoing iconic 15th edition of International Arts and Crafts Expo in Abuja with a record of 29 foreign countries in attendance.
The Lagos governor’s “spiritual” presence is not in doubt, indicative and evidential of the Creativity of Otunba Segun Runsewe led National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) in keeping a top mind attention and awareness of the state of aquatic splendour hosting Nigeria’s biggest cultural festival Armanda in November.
With a huge banner drapped and circled around the INAC Expo Olympic size banner on the towering stage of Ladi kwali Hall of the prestigious Abuja Sheraton Hotel, the Lagos Nafest showpiece banner, with the pictures of the Lagos governor and his wife, Abironke, strategically embossed, left visitors wondering if Sanwo-0lu made it physically to the INAC Expo.
Indeed, the lagos governor “magical visual appearance” is not all about the sight and sound reverberation at the look alike World Travel Market Expo patterned Nigerian INAC showpiece, there were also on showcase banner drappings of all and key festivals celebrated around the six geopolitical zones in the country, reflective of the richness and gifts of Nigerian culture tourism content and export potentials.
Oba Benin, Ewuare 11, the great and undisputed custodian of Nigeria’s Arts and crafts dominance and globally acknowledged source of heritage economy, was also visualy in the house, reminding visitors and trade show exhibitors that Benin, Edo state, Nigeria, tells the authentic history of artistic creativity in the world.
Segun Runsewe, DG NCAC disclosed INAC Expo is not just about bringing the world together to share, experience and encourage crafts and Arts history economy, the trade Expo in its 15th edition life cycle, also unveils the richness of Nigerian culture, history and tradition.
” we are deliberate in showcasing and marketing Nigerian festivals, Arts and crafts. These products tells of our peoples creativity and diversity in all aspects of humanity. We endeavour to integrate, interpret and share with the world, our contributions to global cultural tourism history and no doubt, the recent return of ancient Benin artifacts have put paid to certain narratives that knowledge in Arts and Culture started elsewhere in the world and not in Nigeria. ” he explained, adding that Benin, Edo state capital, remains the undisputed global capital of Arts and crafts of the world.
Runsewe assured and reiterated that lagos Nafest to be hosted governor sanwo-0lu from November 7 to 13, 2022 will provide and confirm the city of lagos as the cultural tourism and entertainment capital of Africa.
