Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has said the Abuja Arts & Crafts Village can be modelled across all 36 states of the country as a means of creating a viable creative economy for the nation.
Runsewe who spoke at the 2023 edition of the annual International Arts & Crafts Expo (INAC), during a tour of the facility with diplomats, as an offside activity of the event, said that if properly harnessed, the creative industry can save Nigeria’s economy.
He said the renovated and revived arts and craft village which holds about 35 stores, and located in the center of town, offers visibility for Nigerian crafts and arts, and a safe space for diplomats to shop.
Earlier this year, the director general had held a press briefing unveiling the new developments in the space, from the construction of 20 sound-and-air-conditioned convenience rooms, a birthday shop, the introduction of prepaid electricity meters to each store, and paid parking spaces.
The stores are available for an annual rent fee of N300,000 each. Renters initial pay will be used in the renovation of their shops.
However, the director general said diplomats have free parking access in the village.
He noted that the replication of the arts and crafts village across the 36 states of the country, will ensure increased visibility, networking and sales opportunities for their unique arts and craft, enough to drive their creative economies.
On efforts to ensure the maintenance and sustainability of the facility, post his administration, Runsewe noted that beyond the grace and wisdom of God to guide his successors, he has trained two of his officers take up the responsibility.
INAC was attended by over 20 countries and 18 Nigerian states with physical booths at the festival showcasing their unique culture, arts and craft.
