The Nation Newspaper

Tag: National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC)

  • Council for creative tech to drive new ideas

    Council for creative tech to drive new ideas

    National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), with approval of Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), has launched Council for Creative Technology Futures (CCTF), an initiative to place Nigeria in the forefront of global innovation where culture meets code.

    Director-General, Obi Asika, described the launch oas a milestone,  adding that ‘we are building the foundation for Nigeria’s creative future—where our stories, music, art, and innovation are protected, monetised, and celebrated globally.’

    In a statement, Head of Media, Dr. Dennis Olofu, said Nigeria’s creative economy, projected to surpass $25 billion by 2025, continues to shape global narratives in music, film, fashion, gaming, and digital content. The CCTF will serve as a high-level policy, strategy, and implementation platform for harnessing Artificial Intelligence, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Web3, and blockchain in over 49 creative industry sectors.

    “This council is about merging culture and code, storytelling and smart contracts, heritage and innovation,” said Asika. “We are not just reacting to global change—we are leading it from Africa,” he said.

    According to him, CCTF’s core mandates include: guide Nigeria’s creative industries into a digitally empowered future that drives job creation and economic growth; equip creators with global tools, platforms, and market access and enhance Nigeria’s position as a cultural and technological powerhouse.

    Read Also: IYD: Shun irregular migration, embrace skills for national growth, NTAC DG tells Nigerian youths

    The CCTF will deliver  the National Creative-Tech Framework and Roadmap (2025–2030), aligning with the National AI Strategy, Executive Order 005, the Digital Economy Policy (2020–2030), and NCAC-led programmes such as ICE Hubs and Discover Naija. The council will take memorandum from stakeholders and collaborate closely with NCAC sister agencies in culture and tourism and take memorandum from interested stakeholders’ angle will also advance global advocacy to elevate Nigeria’s creative sector on international platforms and look for the best in class solutions to drive economic growth.

    Dr. Olofu disclosed that membership is pro bono, reflecting a national service ethos and a shared commitment to a digitally empowered creative sector. In its first phase, the Council will establish foundational frameworks and deliverables, paving the way forward for the cci and the creator economy,

    “Strategic partnerships will be developed with the British Council, University for the Creative Arts, UK, UNESCO, Google, Meta, AfDB, Giz,The EU, Netflix, and other key development and technology partners—mobilizing investment, technical expertise, and global exposure for Nigeria’s creative-tech future,” he added.

    The inaugural Council members are Charles Emembolu, TechQuest, Talent Development (Chairman), Misan Harriman, Director and Photographer, Dayo Elegbe, Sponge Group, Digital Marketing, Bizzle Oshikoya, The Plug, Music and Talent Management,Kemi Awodein, MD, Chapel Hill Denham, Osas Peter, Founder, BlackAt, Malik Afegbua, AI Storytelling and Creative Visual Futurism. Others are Sandra Oyewole, IP Lawyer, Olajide Oyewole & Co, Judith Okonkwo, Imisi 3D, AR & New Technology Leader, Dr. Dahiru Sani, Founder, Kaduna Business School and Dr. Chinedu Odoala Head, NCAC Secretariat.

    With this strategic launch, Dr. Olofu said, Nigeria is taking a bold step into the future—unlocking millions of jobs, increasing IP exports, attracting venture capital, and empowering a new generation of creators, technologists, and entrepreneurs.

  • Obaseki promises world-class NAFEST

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured of the state’s readiness to host a world-class National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) later in the year, to raise the profile of the cultural expo.

     

    Obaseki gave the assurance when he received a delegation of management of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), led by its Director General, Otunba Segun Runsewe, in Government House, Benin City, the state capital.

     

    According to the governor, Edo State has huge cultural assets to showcase to the world at the festival, and noted that the agitation for the repatriation of the over 6000 artefacts looted during the Benin Expedition of 1897 was ongoing. 

     

    He commended the Runsewe-led NCAC for repackaging the National Festival for Arts and Culture, with new offerings that were on display last year in Port Harcourt and charged the council to explore the huge potential in the state’s eco-tourism sector.

     

    He tasked the council to lead the way in the development of a  world-class tourism master plan that would drive tourist traffic to sites and destinations across the country.

     

    Obaseki told his guests that his administration was committed to developing the culture and tourism sector in the state, with ongoing work on implementable plans to reposition the sector to maximise its potential.

     

    In his response, the NCAC DG said the essence of his team’s visit was to convey a proposal of innovative components billed to be introduced in the 2019 edition of NAFEST as well as the timeline for the various cultural events. 

     

    Runsewe congratulated the Obaseki-led administration for winning the hosting right of the festival, and promised that the event would provide the state the opportunity to reinforce her place on the world’s culture map.   

     

    He explained that one of the additions to the festival is the Royalty Day, when all the states’ delegates will pay homage to the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.

     

    He lauded Obaseki’s introduction of culture club in schools as well as the culture information desk at the Benin Airport, which he said would help sell the state’s culture and tourist sites to visitors.

  • Bangladesh, Egypt to exhibit at NCAC expo in November

    Bangladesh and Egypt have joined the long list of countries that have committed to showcasing their unique art and crafts in the forthcoming International Arts and Crafts Expo (INAC) slated for November in Abuja.

    The Bangladeshi High Commissioner, his Excellency Shameed Ahsan assured the director-general of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe of his country’s total participation during a courtesy call to his office in Abuja.

    The Ambassador stated succinctly that, “Your leadership role encourages us to partner with you”.

    Runsewe responded thankfully saying that this year’s maiden edition of the International Arts and Crafts Expo promises to be the first of its kind in terms of packaging and organization.

    The envoy equally accepted to host Bangladesh day during the event to promote the natural endowments of his country to world.

    Runsewe has firmly resolved to make this year’s INAC a platform to network over thirty-five countries that have indicated interest to participate.

    Some of the countries include Venezuela, Tanzania, Spain, France, USA, Cameroun, Togo, Namibia, Trinidad and Tobago, Syria, China, Pakistan amongst many others.

  • Police raid Abuja arts village, arrest 92 suspects

    Police raid Abuja arts village, arrest 92 suspects

    Following intelligence reports of suspected criminal activities at the Art and Crafts Village, the permanent site of the National Council for Arts and Culture  (NCAC )in Abuja, the FCT Police Command  on Saturday arrested 92 suspects.

    The police also recovered a rifle and substances believed to be Indian hemp.

    The police explained that the raid which was carried out at about 0400 hours on 10th February by men attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Federal Capital Territory Command, became necessary to rid the site of criminal elements that have been terrorizing the FCT and using the permanent site of the NCAC as hideout.

    According to information from the SARS Division, the suspects are currently in custody awaiting further investigation and possible prosecution.

    Reacting to the development, residents of the FCT commended the police for acting promptly following the observation of the Management of the NCAC that its Arts and Crafts Village was being used by some criminal elements under the guise of selling artworks to perpetrate crime.

    Reacting to the arrest made, the Command Spokesman,  DSP Anjuguri Manzah said: “The operation is part of efforts by the Nigeria police to fight crime within and outside the FCT by massively reducing the spate of armed robbery, serial car snatching, incidences of kidnapping and other unwholesome activities going on in the FCT and the country by extension.

    “The suspects are currently in our custody undergoing screening and those found culpable would be prosecuted while those found to be innocent will be set free in accordance with the law.”

    It would be recalled that the Director-General, NCAC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe since assuming duty last year has been making spirited efforts along with the police to sanitize the Arts and Crafts Village.

  • Culture can drive revenue – NCAC

    Culture can drive revenue – NCAC

    Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture ( NCAC ), says culture is the new revenue driving sector which can serve as an alternative to the oil sector in Nigeria.

    Runsewe said this while speaking at the official opening of the 13th edition of Akwaaba Travel and Tourism Fair in Lagos on Sunday.

    Declaring the three-day event opened, the NCAC D-G maintained  that culture was a  viable alternative revenue generating sector that could help to boost the economy.

    “Nigeria is rich in cultural  content and has a lot to offer to international tourists.

    “Jollof rice is also part of our cultural brand that we can sell to the international world, ” he said.

    He said that Dubai was the next point of call where he would take Nigerian Commissioners and other government officials to see the tourism and cultural development in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    “In 2014, I traveled with several Commissioners and tourism officials in Nigeria to South Africa to see tourism development in the country.

    “Nigeria can do better in our culture and tourism sector development than other Africa countries, ” he said.

    Runsewe, speaking on behalf of NCAC, drummed up support for Akwaaba Tourism Fair, promised to continually support such initiative in the country.

    “Dubai, South Africa and other tourism developing countries thrive due to their government support.

    “The Federal Government is ready to support any private sector initiative on tourism and culture development in Nigeria and internationally, ” he said.

    Mr Adewale Ashimi, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said that the government was happy that the event was being hosted in Lagos State.

    Ashimi said that the government would continually provide enabling environment for culture and tourism to thrive.

    He said that this year’s event was being hosted at the right time when the government was showing real commitment to tourism development in the state.

    “Lagos State Government will provide infrastructure that will enable tourism to thrive in the city.

    “Government will also continue its support of tourism initiative that will attract tourists into the state. Lagos State is safe for both local and international tourists, ” he said.

    Ashimi further said that the ministry would organise a city tour for local and international tourists/visitors that attended these year’s Akwaaba event.

    Earlier, Mr Ikechi Uko, the organiser of Akwaaba Travel and Tourism Fair, expressed his appreciation to the people that made the event successful.

    He said that the idea of the fair was to bring the world to Africa.

    “We need to do something for Africa in Africa. It is a means of creating proper product for west Africa brand.

    “Jollof rice is part of the brand that can be sold to international tourists,” he said.

    He said that Nigeria and Ghana would be competing in Jollof rice cooking and the best would be announced at the end of the event on Sept. 12.

    “It is not a competition like that but a means of showcasing to the world what West Africans have to offer, ” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the culinary event is aimed at promoting culinary tourism by showcasing the best of West Africa to an international audience.

    The tourism event will be hosting Chefs from Ghana, Gambia and Nigeria to compete for jollof rice challenge.

    These activities were created purposely to bring out the best in West Africa in terms of rice production and promoting the outlook of culinary tourism and local delicacies to foreigners, thereby promoting indigenous hospitality and style.

    The three-day event will also feature Travel 100 Women award as part of Akwaaba Women in Tourism initiative.

  • Edo rolls out drums for Aba Festival

    Edo rolls out drums for Aba Festival

    It has been four days of a spectacle of unadulterated culture for culture enthusiasts, domestic and international tourists in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State as the much awaited Aba Festival got underway on Monday, August 21, 2017.

    The week-long event parades the rhythmic dance steps of the Igarra people, their songs that are rich in symbolisms, the age-long drumming sessions and the colorful and very significant initiation rites, amid feasting and an accompaniment of side attractions.

    This year’s outing is living up to the expectations of the organizers as the State Government made true its promise to raise the profile of the 228-year-old festival to attract more foreign tourist receipts. This is in line with the resolve of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to reset the tourism sector in the state for the optimal socio-economic benefit of the Edo people.

    Obaseki’s holistic approach to the development of its culture and tourism sector, is weighing  on the development of a master plan for the sector, in line with global best practices, to ensure that all culture and tourism events such as the Aba Festival, impact on the Edo economy through hotel receipts, patronage of food and drink  vendors, collection of art works and memorabilia by art enthusiasts, boom in commercial and private transport activities and visits to cultural sites and destinations, amongst others.

    The state government’s endorsement of the ABA Festival has since paved the way for the placement of this colourful event on the country’s festival calendar by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).

    Speaking on the festival recently, the Chairman Central Organizing Committee, Obed Alli, assured of an unforgetable Aba Festival outing this year. He explained that the festival was rated by energy giant, Total E & P in 2006, as the sixth most indigenous cultural festival in West Africa.

    According to him, the festival started as “a celebration of victory by hunters over the initial settlers of the land now known as Etuno (Igarra). The Aba Festival is the most spectacular singular event in the celebration of the Irepa Festival. It is the highest crowd pulling of all Irepa Festival events. It marks the climax of activities as it indicates the end of a seven-year traditional administrative tenure and the beginning of the new one.”

    The uniqueness and distinct appeal of Aba Festival have earned it a prestigious place on the country’s festival league table, as corporate bodies, governments and individuals jostle to be a part of it and this year’s is no different.

    As the drummers and dancers thrill visitors and Edo people to the rich cultural heritage of the Igarra people, until Saturday, August 26, our doors and hearts are open to receiving you in Igarra, Edo State.

     

    Osagie is the Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy

     

  • FG to provide 200,000 jobs for artists

    FG to provide 200,000 jobs for artists

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, says over 200,000 jobs will be created with the N300 million credit facility provided by the Bank of Industry (BOI), for artists.

    The minister made the disclosure at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), between BOI and the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) in Abuja on Friday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports the MoU was presented to the minister by Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, the Director-General of NCAC.
    “I have been reliably informed that top on the list of the benefits that will accrue from this landmark MoU is creation of over 200,000 jobs for the sector.

    “This is epochal and in line with one of the cardinal programmes of this administration, which is job creation and empowerment’’, he said.
    The minister explained the MoU would act as a catalyst for the development of the country’s craft industries, create a financing window and assist NCAC members in capacity building.

    Mohammed also said the MoU would encourage producers of cultural products and services to work toward attaining standard of modern practices in packaging of nation’s cultural products.
    He said that the memorandum would also enable artists to compete favourably at the global markets and earn them a decent living.

    Mohammed urged all states to take advantage of the loan for the development of the creative sector in their domains.
    He said the details of how to access the fund would form a major part of discussions at the forthcoming meeting of Chief Executives of Culture in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, from May 9 to May 12.

    The minister congratulated Runsewe for achieving the feat and putting the event together, few days after he assumed office.

    He also appreciated the Acting Managing Director of BoI, Mr Waheed Olagunju, for his support and partnership.
    The minister described the MoU as `a right step in a right direction and one of the biggest achievements the sector had recorded in recent time.’

    He said the Ministry had signed MoU with local and international partners, including the Tony Elumelu Foundation and the British Council, to develop the capacity of creative artists.
    Earlier, Runsewe said it was the first time in the history of the country that the industry was given a single digit approach to loans.

    He disclosed that two other similar MoUs were in the offing for the development of the sector
    Runsewe commended the minister for changing the nation’s narrative under his leadership and for his passion for the development of the culture and creative sector.

     

  • Invest in Arts and Crafts, Minister urges Private Sector as AFAC closes

    Invest in Arts and Crafts, Minister urges Private Sector as AFAC closes

    A call has gone out to the private sector to step up efforts towards exploring the opportunity for investment inherent in the Arts and crafts sector in Nigeria.

    This call was made by the  Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed,in his closing remark at the closing ceremony of the African Arts and Crafts (AFAC) Expo on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Mohammed  who was represented by Mrs Ayotunde Adesugba, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry,said that foreign participation in AFAC would offer the nation the opportunity to draw other African countries to itself and give them a hand of friendship.

    This development he said was important to position Nigeria within the continent adding that it would promote regional unity and integration in line with the African Union Charter.

    The minister also said that AFAC 2016 had afforded the nation a glimpse into the huge potential of culture and tourism products in Nigeria.

    He said that if culture and tourism products in Nigeria were well packaged, it would trigger the much needed socio-economic development and attract additional revenue to individuals, communities and government at all levels.

    The minister said that the lesson of the Expo was that culture could be one of the potent tools for driving the country’s development goals and aspirations if properly tapped.

    “This sector has a great future and is emerging as the most prosperous sector in the world.’’

    He commended the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) for a Job well done in organising the 2016 Expo, irrespective of the economic recession.

    Earlier, Mrs Dayo Keshi, the Director-General of NCAC expressed delight that AFAC came to a close with huge success.

    “I am happy with success the Expo has made and the quality of the products displayed.

    “The fair is one regional platform that has great prospects in transforming the Nigerian economy in particular and that of the African region in general.

    “The experiences shared at the fiesta by the participants should not be lost. The value and lessons gained should be used to reposition the industry in a manner that can transform it into a viable one.

    “I am very optimistic that if the sector is appropriately developed, it could contribute significantly to the economic development of the country,’’ Keshi said.

    She congratulated the participants, especially award winners and urged them to hold arts, crafts and culture of the country in high esteem.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Kogi won the “Most Enterprising Award’’, the highest award in AFAC Expo.

    Other Awardees were Lagos and Kano States as the Most Innovative in packaging, Ogun the best in textile, Niger, the best in Brass work, and Plateau, the best in metal work.

    The list also includes Katsina State, the best in leather work design, Anambra, best in Ornaments, Bauchi state, the best in Wood Works, and Gombe state, best in Calabash designs.