Emeka Anokwuru
As the 12th edition of the International Arts and Craft Expo comes to a resounding end, Ambassadors from other countries have agreed that INAC is the way to go in building bridges to peaceful coexistence. The envoys admitted they were highly impressed with INAC which held in Abuja between November 20 and 24, just as all participants were honoured with special awards and certificates during the closing ceremony thus reaffirming the role of culture in global peace and unity. The envoys also agreed that November 24 as chosen by the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe to celebrate global cultural diplomacy day for peace was a masterstroke as far as culture and global unity is concerned. Making his remarks during the closing, chairman of the occasion, Senator Rochas Okorocha said no nation can grow beyond their culture and traditions. He lauded Runsewe for a hugely successful outing asserting that, “When people say Nigeria is the giant of Africa, indeed they are referring to our culture,very soon the world shall hear from us because the senate is giving serious thoughts to our cultural offering.”
Otunba Runsewe, you are doing well and the Senate will support you.” Rochas concluded. Responding via his address, Otunba Runsewe praised the countries and states that took part saying they have very important part of historic narratives of INAC. In separate sessions during the 4-day expo with the theme: Networking Nigerian Arts To The World, Envoys from Sudan, Venezuela, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Malaysia and many more collectively agreed that Nigeria got it right with hosting the annual cultural expo. Libyan Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Saleh Saeed, advocated for the participation of more countries in subsequent editions, admitting,“the expo has been ongoing for some years but the embassy in Nigeria decided to participate in this year’s event. It is important for countries to showcase their cultural heritage and the expo is a good platform for this.” He noted.
Ms Harmella Mathewos, Trade and Tourism Officer, Ethiopian Embassy, Abuja also appealed to Nigerians and other countries to continually network in order to leverage on each other’s unique cultural offerings and products. Speaking excitedly during the expo, Venezuelan Ambassador to Nigeria, David Carraballo commended the National Council for Arts and Culture for organising INAC saying, “the theme of the event creates an opportunity for countries to connect, integrate, share cultural values and experiences which would further foster global unity across the divide.” On his part, H.E. Mr. Md Shameem Ahsan, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria said his country was proud and privileged to synergise with Nigeria in cultural exchanges using the platform of INAC assuring that they will continue to participate just like they have in previous outings. INAC 2019 featured awards in several categories with Ogun state emerging best exhibitor overall and several other countries coming tops in various categories. During its special day, Ogun served everyone with ofada rice, and added colour to the event with an intimidating presence of adire and kampala materials at the pavilion in Abuja.