Diplomats commend Runsewe,as 42 countries attend pre-INAC dinner in Abuja

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Members of the Diplomatic community have commended Direction General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe for his consistency and diligence in sustaining arts and culture in Nigeria.

The recommendation was made at the 2023 Pre-INAC expo dinner for diplomats held recently in Abuja.

The six edition dinner was used to sensitise members of the diplomatic corps on arrangements for the 2023 INAC which was attended by 42 countries.

Speaking at the dinner, NCAC DG,Otunba Olusegun Runsewe said INAC was meant to celebrate Nigeria and the diplomatic community in the country through arts culture and craft.

“Tonight, we are having pre-INAC diplomatic dinner. We are celebrating the diplomatic community in Nigeria; there is no better platform to showcase the narratives of our country to the world better than this kind of opportunity.

“The platform is to majorly to network Nigeria’s arts and craft to the world.

He said the theme for the 16th International Arts and Crafts (INAC) EXPO 2023 is ‘Putting Nigeria First’ which is aimed at rekindling Nigerians patriotic spirit and mobilise then towards building a greater Nigeria.

“There is no better platform than this “.
According to him, “Based on the comments of the ambassador’s that the EXPO gets better each year.It also a platform through which ordinary Nigerians network with the world without going to the airport.

“I am glad that through this platform Nigeria is being portrayed and showcased to the world for positive and not negative reasons like we have been a while back”, he said.

“I cannot take for granted the very strong and healthy relationship between the NCAC and members of the diplomatic community. I will continue to guide it jealously and build on it with passion and commitment,”he stated.

He emphasized that the expo is providing a channel through which Nigeria and participating countries will make known their policies and investment opportunities in the sector and many others.

“It also presents an avenue through which skills could be acquired by the most productive segment of the population, the youths,” he added.

Also speaking, Dean of the Diplomatic community in Nigeria, His Excellency, Salaheddine Ibrahima,commended Runsewe for sustaining diplomatic platform for over six years since the launch of the Global Diplomacy for Peace.

Ibrahima called on all foreign missions in Nigeria to take advantage of the platform offered by NCAC to network their various cultural strengths to the world.

Meanwhile, Ambassador of Argentina to Nigeria, High Commissioner of Cameroon to Nigeria, The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, and Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria among others commended the NCAC DG for his good works,creative network opportunities to exhibit their own country’s arts and crafts.