At the 14th International Arts And Crafts Expo 2021 in Abuja

By Paul Ukpabio

It was an evening of enchanting cultural fun and delight as Abuja hosted the 14th International Arts and Crafts Expo 2021, courtesy of Otunba Olusegun Runsewe's National Council For Arts And Culture, (NCAC).

The cheerful evening of cultural exchange, bright lights, traditional fashion, Nigerian drinks and food, music and interraction took place on the luscious green grounds of Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.

In attendance at the event, was the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who was sent in a representative, the Director General of National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (Nihotour), Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa, the Director General of Nigerian Television Authority, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, ably represented by Mrs Aisha Bello, The President of National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies, NANTA, Mrs Susan Akporiaye, the Ftan President Mr Nkereuwem Onung, amongst other numerous stakeholders in the hospitality-tourism industry.

From different states across the federation were cultural departments that showcased the enormous rich artefacts and crafts from their zones, along with their top officials on hand to throw more light on their traditoonal offerings.

According to the DG, NCAC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, the 3 Day expo event, is going to be activity packed. But the agency, delibrately invited majorly the stakeholders to the opening ceremony, to give them the opportunity to see that the essence of culture and tourism, is to keep it alive and finetune it for others to see and appreciate.

Characteristical of Otunba Runsewe, the opening event showcased a young saxophonist, Ima Sax, who we understand is a new discovery of the DG. Ima Sax blew up the minds of his audience with his mastery of playing and handling the sax.

The cool evening had performances from Boulos Simon a staff of NCAC, performances from the cultural troupe from Kebbi State, and old school medleys from Ejiro and friends.

And Otunba Runsewe did the unthinkable!

The DG actually brought the famous Zuma Rock down to the luscious green grounds of the Sheraton Hotel!

And everyone was excited to feel what it is like to visit the Zuma Rock. So real, so natural.

Otunba Runsewe personally took his guests around the various exhibition stands, explaining and introducing some of the cultural products and artefacts to them with the support of the state co-ordinating culture officials.