From: Kemi Yesufu, Abuja
Director General of the National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, has said the council would soon host a national summit on the role of traditional rulers in promoting economic growth and national development.
Runsewe who spoke with the Daily Sun, in Abuja, also disclosed that the NCAC is working on a compendium of the homesteads of traditional rulers from all parts of the country tagged, “1000 Palaces of Pride in Nigeria”.
He explained that the booklet which will be distributed within and outside the country formed part of the council’s new policy to better involve traditional institutions in marketing Nigeria as a good tourist and investment destination.
“In our country we are blessed with traditional institutions that have a rich history and command respect globally. We have the Sultan of Sokoto, we have the Obi of Onitsha, the Ooni of Ife, Alake of Egbaland, the Amayanabo of Bonny and many other great traditional institutions.
“You can only imagine what we can achieve when they support NCAC in its new drive, judging by the successes recorded through their interventions in other sectors like healthcare and education.
“So for the first time we will be hosting a national summit on the relationship between traditional institutions, government and the governed. Soon we will be presenting a compendium, which we have titled one thousand palaces of pride in Nigeria to showcase the many historic locations from which our royal fathers contribute to the development of their domains and the country ultimately”, he said.
The NCAC boss explained that the council signed a N300 million Memorandum of Understanding, with the Bank and Industry to provide loans for youths and artisans who involved in arts and crafts as the culture component is vital to improving the country’s standing in the international tourism market.