Runsewe: Rebranding Nigeria through arts and culture

when he formally introduced the Arts and Crafts Village to the diplomatic community.

National Arts and Culture Council (NCAC) Executive Director Otunba Segun Runsewe formally invited the diplomatic community to explore the recovered arts and crafts village last weekend.

Strategically located next to the Abuja Continental Hotel (formerly Abuja Sheraton Hotel and Towers), the village has undergone a major transformation after being reclaimed by a former user who said they had misused the space.

And after the fire that destroyed the Cultural Market, NCAC began renovations to transform what was once a trash-strewn and neglected environment.

Today, the Arts and Crafts Market is a one-stop destination for art lovers and those who love a quiet environment.

For Mr Ransewe, reopening the arts and crafts market was one of the surefire ways to rebrand Nigeria and demonstrate the country's cultural strength to the diplomatic community.

More than 23 countries participated in the event, including the People's Republic of China, the United States, Bulgaria, Botswana, and North Korea.
Spain, Jamaica, Cuba.

Other countries include Mexico, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Congo, Benin Republic, and Portugal.

In their respective goodwill messages, the diplomats praised the Ransewe-led National Livelihood Center and said dedicating the cultural village to the diplomatic community was a clever way to rebrand and market Nigeria to the international community.

According to them, the village offers an opportunity to experience Nigeria through Abuja.

They also praised the changes that had taken place in the village, stressing that for those who saw the village a few years ago, it would be difficult to recognize it because of its new look.

At the event, the Commander-in-Chief disclosed that the four diplomats invited the ministry to their country because they found that Nigeria was very serious about rebuilding its culture.

Speaking to the 23 diplomats present at the occasion, Mr Rancewe, who is also the Chairman of the World Crafts Council (WCC), said he had promised to provide the best market for Nigerians and that his promise had been fulfilled.

He said, “With over 23 countries participating, how can we best promote our country?
“Nigeria is peaceful and safe for investors and that is why we have ambassadors here.
“This market has been closed for over five years as hoodlums were using it to deal drugs, hide stolen cars and imprison kidnap victims, but when I took over, I said I would end this market. I swore.”

It further added, “The market will be open from 6am to 6pm every day and will close at 9pm every day once electricity connection is completed.
“Diplomats have unlimited access to this place and are free to set up shop here to showcase their culture,” he said.

Speaking to the media, Li Shuda, Cultural Counselor and Director of the Chinese Cultural Center at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Nigeria, described the event as a wonderful and wonderful trip.

He said, “I think the opening of this cultural market will provide a platform for people to know more about the history and culture of Nigeria. I'm here.

“This event will promote mutual understanding between the Chinese and Nigerian governments and strengthen the good relations between the two countries.”

Segun Odegbami, Nigeria's official footballer, said: “It was a pleasant shock to see a building like this in such a quiet, culturally rich and wonderfully located environment.”

He said, “Nigeria is at a stage where it is utilizing soft diplomacy and arts and culture is clearly one area. Nigeria has been conquered in the areas of music, sports and literature and this is the era of arts and culture. . What Lancewe is doing is truly incredible.”

Yanko Yordanov, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Nigeria, said he was very enthusiastic about the idea of ​​a cultural village as it is a very important initiative that will give diplomats the opportunity to experience more of Nigeria's culture, traditions and arts. Stated.

“Bulgaria and Nigeria have many similarities, especially in the field of culture and art. We will do our best to set up our own shop here.”

Irene Uwabo, one of the shop owners and a member of the Women Art Association of Nigeria, said she was very happy about the reopening of the market as it would give them an opportunity to display their works.

She thanked Mr. Otunba Runsewe for his efforts in reviving the market and wished him continued growth from strength to strength.

Source: guardian.ng