INAC Abuja Expo ends in grand style, Runsewe launches ICDP
-Oru Leonard and Sarah Domozu
The International Arts and Crafts Expo 2018, ended in grand style on Saturday November 24. The exhibition which was organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture NCAC, attracted stakeholders and participants from different countries and some states in Nigeria.
To wrap up the closing ceremony, the Director General, NCAC, Otunba Olesegun Runsewe launched the much awaited International Cultural Diplomacy for Peace (ICDP), as white doves were released to fly all over the world and spread peace to all nations.
While speaking at the closing ceremony, the Chairman and the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, said that the 11th edition of the INAC is historical, the best both in Nigeria and the world, as well as the best way to build peace in the world.
“Today, we are using culture to build peace in the world, we are using what is common to humanity, we are using our arts and crafts to bind ourselves together, to build the bridges that can unite all humanity, because no matter which country or continent we come from, we are all human and we all have the image of God in us.
“Culture can give us freedom and we had representatives of 27 countries from 4 continents of the world, saying this message is one that will go not just from Nigeria to Africa, but from Nigeria to the world, and let it be known that Nigeria is the home of peace and culture and that all those who seek the best in the world should come to us.
“Our great host is opening a new window, through which the rest of the world would see the best in Nigeria, so that all that people say about Nigeria which are not right, those who came can see that Nigeria is very hospitable, loves peace, believes and works for peace and will ensure that humanity will be one and that all that is needed for humanity to come together, that Nigeria will work tirelessly to ensure that this is achieved”.
Dr Onu said that what is common in us is our love for the art and our own craft. Things that we do to remember not just how we live but how we should liven and noted that the annual event is so important, adding that the launch of (iCDP), is something that is different, unique and good for the world, and a way of using culture to build peace.
He expressed hopes that the event will continue, so as to keep sharing the message of peace through arts and crafts.
In his speech, the Director General, NCAC Otunba Runsewe, noted that the launch of the iCDP, is a way to show that Nigeria, Africa and the world loves peace.
“Nigeria has taken a lead by launching, for the first time in the history of the world, the International Cultural Diplomacy for Peace. Nigeria has taken a lead of the best cultural patriarch of peace in the whole world”, he noted.
He said that INAC was put up mainly to expose the arts and crafts practitioners to network with international stakeholders and that the International Diplomacy Day for Peace will be marked globally every 24th of November.
Dignitaries present at the event were the Representative of Minister Information and Culture,Deaconess Grace Gerkpe, Special Guest of Honour NTA Director General Mr Tony Akiotu, many other heads of establishments.
The Ara (the talking drum maestro), was featured to spread the message of peace.
The international exhibition had 150 exhibitors with 27 countries represented by their ambassadors and high commissioners, 20 states out of 36 in Nigeria,and private exhibitors that were present to show case their arts and crafts.
