By Emeka Anokwuru

The Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra State, Professor Josephat Ogbuagu has described Nigeria’s culture and artworks as untapped treasure, which, when fully exploited would boost the nation’s international trade and investment and invariably impact on the overall well-being of the masses. He made the remarks while speaking at the 10th edition of African Arts and Craft Expo, (AFAC) held in Abuja, with the theme, “Our Crafts: The Untapped Treasure” which was  organised by National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).  Prof. Ogbuagu thereby commended the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, for organising the event which has promoted the culture and art sectors in the country and repositioned it as revenue yielding venture.

The Director-General, NCAC, Otunba Segun Runsewe, in his welcome address explained that the expo provided a platform for participants to showcase their unique cultural identities adding that culture serves as a veritable tool to change the narratives of Nigeria. He went on to say that various artworks and crafts such as fabrics, leather and souvenirs from participating countries were showcased as concrete evidence of the wealth of their cultural manifestation. For Nigeria, the expo was apt as Nigeria recorded significant achievements in the development of the culture industry to enviable heights through festivals like AFAC,’’ he said.

Runsewe said the cultural festival will be geared towards harnessing and developing arts and crafts and other creative endeavours in the country. “It was a unique opportunity for artists, craft dealers, manufacturers and other stakeholders to buy and sell their products because the expo will continue to play a major role towards job creation and economic empowerment.

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Dean, Fine and Applied Arts, Bella Onu, leader of the delegation of the tertiary institution, commended the organisers for providing an opportunity to the school to showcase her entrepreneurial skills as well as the promotion of local arts and culture. 

She used the occasion to commend the Provost of the College, Prof Ogbuagu, for emphasising entrepreneurship education in the College, which has helped to equip students with various skills for employment noting that this has  helped them to be self-reliant and job creators.

She disclosed that the school’s stand had on display, indigenous crafts and artworks such as furniture with installation (made of wood) and bio-arts as media, beads, textile works (innovative batik and tie & dye), new media graphics, paintings, pencil and charcoal drawings.