The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), has announced plans to host a nationwide craft fiesta, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and promoting indigenous crafts.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, NICO’s executive secretary, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, said the Nationwide Craft Fiesta, which is a major initiative of the government, is an aggregation of craft events in one location that is envisaged to be an annual event in the creative economy calendar.
“The Nationwide Craft Fiesta, aimed at stimulating the foundations of the creative economy is designed to engage, encourage and promote craftsmen and women in Nigeria.
“It is also structured to create an empowerment scheme by using regionalized nationwide craft fiesta as a platform to engender economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and job creation.
“The plan is to raise 20 artisan, craftsmen and women across various specialities from each of the 774 local government area councils in the country in order to identify and recognise their craft,” Ajiboye said.
He added that six editions of the fiesta will be organised across the geo-political zones in the country and will last for a period of one week, where artisans will be given a platform to exhibit their works.
Director/ project manager of Nationwide Craft Fiesta, Kayode Adeoti, emphasised the significance of the Craft Fiesta. He said the event will not only celebrate cultural diversity but also provide a platform for artisans to showcase their talents and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
NICO also said it would partner with state governments, cultural organisations, IOCs and private sector stakeholders to ensure the event’s success.
