Runsewe lauds Iheanacho, Ndidi, plans arts competition to celebrate patriotism

By Ozolua Uhakheme, Assistant Editor Arts

Following last week’s sterling performances of Nigeria’s international stars Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi during the English FA Cup final match Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Otunba Segun Runsewe has applauded the duo for their common display of patriotism in form of cultural symbolism.

Their club Leicester deafted Chelsea football club to win the cup for the first time.

Runsewe said that a powerful and fascinating merger between Culture and Sports showcased itself immediately after the match. Beneath the pomp, glitz and glamour of the FA final between Leicester city and Chelsea, a unique spectacular and outstanding show of patriotism was displayed. It came in the manner that Kelechi and Ndidi soaked themselves in their love for Nigeria by wrapping themselves in Nigerian Green White Green national colour to celebrate their victory over Chelsea football club.

He stated that there is need to document, institutionalise and legalise the legacy of Iheanacho and Ndidi as a show of extreme love and indivisibility of Nigeria their country.

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Runsewe said he is prompted to put up a request for artistic impression of their actions on that day.

Runsewe disclosed that with the collaboration of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Abuja chapter and NCAC is instituting an art competition that celebrates the intersection of sports and culture referencing the Kelechi and Ndidi actions with the Nigerian flag in the Leicester city victory over Chelsea Football club.

According to Runsewe the arts competition which will be in traditional 2D Art (Painting, Print making and drawing which will be done within a one month duration will be open to residence of FCT only for now.

Other details of the competition including assessment and adjudication will be worked out with the Nigerian Society of Nigerian Artists.

Runsewe added that they shall be a reward system for the best three winning entries which will be presented to the honourable minister of Information and culture and to his counterpart in the sports ministry may include a trip to London in the nearest future.