The sixth annual International Arts and Crafts Festival (INAC), of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), is set to hold September 7-9 at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
The director general of the NCAC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe announced the date at the pre-INAC Dinner, an annual dinner preceding the festival hosting members of the diplomatic, and targeted at sourcing the international communities ideas on how best to enrich the festival.
Speaking at the event Runsewe said in addition to the platform’s aim to network Nigeria’s arts and craft to the world, the new theme ‘Putting Nigeria First’ aims at rekindling Nigerians patriotic spirit and mobilise them towards building a greater Nigeria.
“There is no better platform than this to tell our story. Based on the comments of the 40 ambassadors and 42 countries present at this dinner, saying that it is getting better each year, it also a platform through which ordinary Nigerians network with the world without going to the airport.
“I am glad that through this platform Nigeria is being portrayed and showcased to the world for positive and not negative reasons like we have been a while back.
“We must create an enabling environment for expatriates to appreciate who we are. NDLEA is doing this already through its band. It is telling the world that it is not just about catching drug pushers but also projecting our culture through its band. Like the NDLEA, we must showcase the best of our people,” said Runsewe.
The DG further announced the relocation of its office to a temporary site in Gudu, titled The Culture House/Building, noting to the expats that the building now houses a Diplomatic Arena – for countries to showcase their unique cultural products.
“This arena is in the spirit of our robust diplomatic relations, cultural understanding and exchanges.
I cannot take for granted the very strong and healthy relationship between the NCAC and members of the diplomatic community. I will continue to guide it jealously and build on it with passion and commitment,” concluded the DG.
