Ogun State has been described as a pacesetter in the promotion of the rich cultural heritage and values inherent in Nigeria, both at the local and international level.
Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, stated this at the “Ogun State Day” of the recently concluded 12th edition of the International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo, held at the Federal Capital Territory Exhibition Pavilion, Abuja, with the theme, Networking Nigerian Crafts to The World.
Runsewe praised the government of Ogun State for keeping faith in promoting the rich tradition of the state and country at large even at international levels by always giving full support to the activities of the ministry, adding that the state government has shown it believes in their ability to deliver, thereby attracting investors that would make its products first of its kind across the world.
“Ogun State is always setting the pace when it comes to promoting, maintaining and keeping faith in showcasing the best of our country’s culture ,it was the face of the country at the 2018 International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo, I commend the State government for keeping faith in promoting our tradition and investing in it”, the DG emphasized.
Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Alhaja Selimot Ottun, said that the exhibition, coordinated by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) was used to showcase the rich culture and tradition of the state, adding that this has attracted both local and international partners that came to buy the locally produced adires and Kampalas which are being used in production of other things such as hand fans, bags slips on amongst others in other countries.
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In her words, ‘’The different festival we have partaken in has enlightened the public that Ogun State is not only about kampala and adires as there are a lot of things that can be made from them and we are ready to partner with people who are interested in what we are producing in the state irrespective of the country or state, thereby serving as an opportunity for states and countries to create job opportunities, expanding local markets and improving the economic sectors of participating states and nations.’
Director, Culture Department Ministry, Mr Seye Adeyemo said that the state was at the Expo to showcase the utility use of its products, wood works, adire and Kampala which had gone beyond making apparels only but now used in making golf kits, hand fans, purses, handbags and its cuisines amongst others which are being sold beyond the State, adding that it was an avenue for participating States and Countries to display and exchange natural resources they possess.
At the end of the four-day expo, which had over 12 states and 24 countries participating, Ogun State bagged first positions in four different categories namely: First in Best Product Design Category (Wood works),first overall Best in the Product Designs(Textiles) and overall best in the Product Dressing ,First in the INAC 2019 Special award Category of Special Days (for the 2nd time running consecutively)and three plaques which were received on behalf of the State by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Yusuff Adejojo.
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