By HENRY AKUBUIRO
Acting Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Dr. (Mrs.) Habiba Lawal, is billed to declare the much-awaited African Arts and Craft Expo (AFAC) open tomorrow, September 5, 2017.
The director-general of the NCAC, Otunba Segun Runsewe, stated this while inspecting state-of-the-art facilities at the venue of the Expo.
According to Runsewe, this year’s AFAC will feature unique components, like free medical checkup such as free optical and dental services, skill acquisition and training for participants, while the services of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has been secured to forestall any mishap during the event amongst many other novel innovations.
Runsewe expressed optimism that this edition would surpass previous ones by far, given the massive impetus in the organisation and support from stakeholders together with a corresponding pledge from the mass media especially partners like the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)
and African Independent Television (AIT) who are visibly on ground and have promised to give maximum reportage to the Expo.
This year’s edition, the 10th, is expected to witness participants and guests from over 25 countries with an unprecedented 150 exhibitors expected to occupy and showcase their unique arts and crafts products
during the 20-day event.
The exhibition site, which doubles as the Arts and Crafts village of the NCAC, has been totally transformed with exquisite pavilions, an elaborate stage fitted with powerful musical hardware and a vast array of other components all geared towards accommodating and entertaining
both local and international guests, top government officials, exhibitors, and the general public.
Apart from the Acting SGF, who will be leading top government functionaries to the event, other special guests expected at the opening ceremony tomorrow include the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu; while the royal fathers of the day are HRM,
Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, (Emir of Abaji, chairman, FCT Council of
Traditional Rulers); HRM, Alhaji Isma’ila Mohammed (Emir of Karshi).
Mrs Paulin Tallen, former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, will play
the role of the Mother of the Day; while the Chief Host is Minister of
Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, with Otunba Segun
Runsewe as the host of the ceremony.
The opening ceremony will also be graced by state governors and
members of the diplomatic community among other distinguished
personalities. The public has been invited to the event, which will
hold at the permanent site of the National Council for Arts and
Culture, beside Sheraton Hotels and behind Shehu Yar’ Adua Centre,
Abuja.