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  • 4500 capacity arena: Boost for creativity

    4500 capacity arena: Boost for creativity

    The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), in partnership with MEFA has launched a 4,500 capacity state-of-the-art performance venue, touted as ‘Abuja’s new destination for live entertainment.’ It is the first of six world class venues that will transform Nigeria’s creative landscape.

    The ceremony, which held recently at the NCAC’s Arts and Crafts Village, Abuja marked a historic milestone in the development of cultural infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory. The MEFA Abuja is the flagship and pilot of a visionary, privately funded initiative aimed at expanding Nigeria’s creative economy by delivering 6 venues starting in Abuja and extending to Abuja, Enugu, Kaduna, Jos and Port Harcourt in the first phase rollout.

    This project is the beginning of building a domestic touring ecosystem for live entertainment, sports and cultural events. The project is fully supported by the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), under the leadership of Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa.

    Director General NCAC, Mr. Obi Asika described the initiative as ‘a key moment in building the hard infrastructure to support Nigeria’s creative and cultural sectors.’ He stated that while, the Arts and Crafts Village had existed since 1988 this is the first time such a high value structure will be erected there. He called for enhanced collaboration and support from all stakeholders in the sector, stressing that the facility will create significant employment opportunities for Nigerian youth, attract global attention, and serve as a vibrant hub for performance arts.

    “When completed, this will be one of the best performance venues anywhere—accessible, inclusive, and impactful,” Asika stated, adding that the arena will serve as a beacon for world class performances, enabling segments such as music, sports, theatre, dance, visual art, variety entertainment, esports, fashion and the arts to deliver world class performances and experiences in a world class environment here in Abuja. “We want to thank MEFA for their diligence and investment and for building a strong collaboration with NCAC which will empower thousands,” he said.

    Co-Founder of MEFA Yinka Obebe presented a detailed slide deck, unveiling the venue’s major features, which include a flexible indoor seating capacity of 4,000 to 4,500 guests, a fully movable, dynamic performance stage, a world-class sound and lighting systems, VIP zones, artist lounges, curated guest experiences, rooftop recreation and sports functionality.

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    According to him, a year-round programme calendar capable of generating over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs annually and deliver 250 plus events per annum is worked out at the venue

    “MEFA will be a catalyst for the creative economy—activating promoters, artists, vendors, and service providers with every event,” Obebe said, stating that the MEFA facility will be one of the most impactful performance spaces in West Africa. The venue will also generate significant revenues for the ecosystem and be a massive enabler for jobs and economic growth.

    Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hon Hannatu Musa Musawa said the groundbreaking is ‘a defining moment’ in her tenure, affirming that infrastructure is crucial to unlocking Nigeria’s creative potential. “As a Nigerian, it pains me that we lack arenas to enjoy our world class talent. I shouldn’t have to travel to Ghana or Rwanda to witness world-class performances in world class venues,” she said.

    The Minister described the venue as a “magnificent hub for multiple cultural and creative outputs and a sanctuary for creativity,” he said. According to her, the arena is a one-stop stage for talent and a home for the rhythms that define our lives.

    The event was marked by the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NCAC, FMACTCE, and MEFA, cementing an alliance that is set to transform the creative and cultural economy of Nigeria.

    Among key stakeholders that attended the ceremony included Special Assistant to the Vice-President on Digital and Creative Economy, Mr. Fegho Umunubo, Co-Founder, MEFA, Mrs. Bola Yinka Obebe, Director of Special Duties, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Ody Anumba, Representative of the Republic of Congo, Mrs. Mzako Florence, Cultural Attaché, Embassy of Spain, Eva Barta, CEO Criterion, Colonel Felix Alaita, Co-Founder, Polystyrene Industries, Mr Onome Sideso, Founder, Africa Hair Summit, Ms Ada Enwezor,

    Founder GammeEvo, Mr Kunmi Adenipebi, and Founder, Madhouse by Trikera Mr Bayo Omoboriowo. 

  • NCAC, NITDA partner on strategic alliance

    NCAC, NITDA partner on strategic alliance

    The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) are partnering to integrate Nigeria’s cultural and creative industries (CCI) with the country’s burgeoning digital and innovation ecosystems.

    Director-General of NCAC, Mr. Obi Asika, and his team met with the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, alongside his senior leadership team, at NITDA headquarters in Abuja to establish the collaborative framework.

    This alliance, according to a statement by the agencies, seeks to harness their strengths to drive growth, innovation, and digital transformation across Nigeria’s creative and cultural sectors.

    Seven key focus areas of the partnership include ICE Capacity-Building Programme: NCAC’s flagship programme, ICE (Innovate, Create, Empower), is designed to upskill participants in the cultural and creative industries.

    “With NITDA’s support, ICE will expand to 1,000 locations nationwide, targeting the training of 2 million Nigerians by 2027. NITDA will provide training facilities and digital labs to enhance the programme’s impact,” the statement added.

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    The partnership also covers Digital Platforms: NCAC, in collaboration with private sector partners, is developing digital platforms for cultural inventory, fan engagement, influencer marketing, subscription video-on-demand (SVOD), e-commerce, and capacity building. NITDA will provide support through local distribution networks and cloud services to strengthen these platforms.

    Infrastructure Development:

    NCAC has requested NITDA’s assistance in equipping its headquarters and zonal offices with computers, tablets, consumables, digital labs, and podcast studios to achieve digital transformation.

    Collaboration on Major Events:

    NCAC will mobilise its creative and cultural communities to participate in NITDA’s initiatives, including the highly anticipated GITEX Nigeria 2025,” it said.

    Others are BuyNigeria.ng Project:

    The agencies agreed to pilot BuyNigeria.ng, an e-commerce platform designed to bring Nigerian markets online. The initial phase will focus on markets in Kano, Lagos, Aba, and Abuja, fostering greater visibility and accessibility for traders and artisans while aligning with NCAC’s vision of enhancing productivity in the cultural and creative sectors.

    Joint Committee:

    A joint committee comprising directors from both NCAC and NITDA has been established to drive the partnership forward and ensure seamless implementation of shared initiatives and Nigeria’s Got Talent:

    NCAC’s Nigeria’s Got Talent platform will integrate NITDA’s digital literacy programs and gamified learning systems, creating opportunities for creatives to thrive in a digitally empowered environment.

    This partnership marks a significant step toward integrating Nigeria’s cultural heritage with cutting-edge digital innovation, unlocking limitless potential for the nation’s creative and digital economies.

  • Digital cultural inventory coming, says NCAC boss

    Digital cultural inventory coming, says NCAC boss

    A memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on national digital cultural inventory has been signed by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and Playhouse Communication Limited.

    NCAC Director-General (DG) Obi Asika, who signed the MoU said the digital platform will host and aggregate Nigeria’s cultural scope, a statement by the Councils spokesman, Dr. Dennis Olofu, said.

    The statement quoted the DG as saying: “The project is focused on building a dynamic digital platform to host and aggregate the entire cultural scope of Nigeria across its local, state and federal governments, its communities, villages, towns and cities.

     “NCAC is building a platform that will host information that will uphold and empower all Nigerians.

    “We are going to make smart partnerships with the global technology giants and platforms to find the resources to build this incredible resource from our cultural DNA.”

    Given insight into the MoU, Azika said the plans will be rolled out in the weeks and months ahead

    He added: “We believe strongly in the power of this project and in giving Nigerians their own space to share their origin stories, cultures, knowledge and cultural manifestations.

    “The entire scope of the project is enormous and we can’t wait to share our work in the weeks and months ahead.

      “This monumental and innovative project will utilise modern digital technology to deliver the best use of culture and technology, and show a clear model for collaboration.

    “The NCAC has the mandate to protect, promote and project the living culture of Nigeria into the daily lives of Nigerians and into the business of government.

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    “To this end, NCAC is building a cultural inventory of Nigeria, a multi-layered project that will aggregate and digitise cultural information about the country, enabling us to learn much more about each other.”

    The NCAC boss said the agency will collaborate with monarchs and vice chancellors of universities.

    The statement reads: “The NCAC will be briefing The Traditional Rulers Forum and the Committee of Vice Chancellors and the 235 public universities they oversee on this project.

    “The NCAC is also reaching out to renowned global institutions and academics to connect the culture with our Diaspora who are dispersed through the America’s in Brazil, USA, Cuba, and the Caribbean specifically in Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad where large numbers of Nigerian descendants have settled for centuries.

     “The agreement forms a natural partnership with Playhouse who brings over a decade of world class campaigns and constant innovation in the digital advertising space.

    “Their platform – StoryStoryHub – has already achieved over 100 million impressions and 3.5 million video views in less than six months and its core focus is on telling Nigerian stories through the eyes of Nigerians.”

  • Runsewe appointed chairman Africa-China culture exchange society

    Director General National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and President, Africa region of the world crafts council (WCC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has been appointed chairman, Africa-China Exchange Society (ACCAES).

    Runsewe who in two years has changed the narratives of Nigeria’s cultural economy and fostered strategic cultural exchange among African nations through multi-cultural marketing platforms, was chosen by the global body for his visionary leadership in fronting Africa Arts and Crafts, as well as for driving an excellent cultural exchange platform between African countries and the People’s Republic of China.

    The ACCAES Chairmanship position, which is for a duration of five years, is expected to help concretize and redefine the values of African Culture, Arts and Crafts in the eyes of the Chinese with intent to create not only a viable and thriving cultural market between Africa and China but substantially to increase the China tourism traffic to Africa.

    Speaking on the appointment, Runsewe commended the Africa China Exchange Society for finding him credible to improve the fortunes of the progressive body in Africa and promised not to disappoint the culture community in both countries.

    He explained that his position as Africa Region President of World Craft Council is added advantage and would provide the needed insight to navigate the huge cultural map of Africa and China.

    “As ever, I am determined to put my heart to this initiative and the vision behind the formation of the organization. We have the products, the markets and will power to collaborate with China to bring the people of both continents together and empower them,” he said.

     

     

  • Runsewe appointed chairman Africa-China culture exchange society

    Director General National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and President, Africa region of the world crafts council (WCC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has been appointed chairman, Africa-China Exchange Society (ACCAES).

    Runsewe, who in two years has changed the narratives of Nigeria’s cultural economy and fostered strategic cultural exchange among African nations through multi-cultural marketing platforms, was chosen by the global body for his visionary leadership in fronting Africa Arts and Crafts as well as for driving an excellent cultural exchange platform between African countries and the People’s Republic of China.

    The ACCAES chairmanship position, which is for a duration of five years, is expected to help concretise and redefine the values of African Culture, Arts and Crafts in the eyes of the Chinese with intent to create not only a viable and thriving cultural market between Africa and China but substantially to increase the China tourism traffic to Africa.

    Speaking on the appointment, Runsewe commended the Africa China Exchange Society for finding him credible to improve the fortunes of the progressive body in Africa and promised not to disappoint the culture community in both countries.

    He explained his position as Africa Region President of World Craft Council is an added advantage and would provide the needed insight to navigate the huge cultural map of Africa and China.

    “As ever, I am determined to put my heart to this initiative and the vision behind the formation of the organization.

    “We have the products, the markets and will power to collaborate with China to bring the people of both continents together and empower them,” he said.

  • When Martin Luther-King was celebrated by NCAC

    Dr. Naomi King, the matriarch of the Luther-King family and wife of the brother of foremost American civil rights activist, the late Rev. Martin Luther-King, has commended the Director-General of the NCAC for his sterling leadership qualities and commitment to excellence wherever he serves.

    Dr. Naomi made the commendation during a reception held in her honour at the headquarters of the NCAC in Abuja along with Mr. Isaac Newton-Farris, a nephew of American civil rights activist, Martin Luther King Junior, among other notable personalities.

    Speaking during the grand reception, the influential American civil rights activist said Runsewe “makes positive impact anywhere he goes,” stressing that he would surely deliver as the helmsman at the NCAC.

    Narrating her own personal experience, Dr. Naomi intimated that God had always been on her side and even at 86 she was still waxing stronger and pursuing the core values that make America a great nation.

    Furthermore, she advised Nigerians to always put God and love for country first before any other consideration just as she asked Nigerians to ensure a peaceful election process in 2019.

    She said: “I want you to take the responsibility and vote when the time comes for the candidate of your choice because you have a voice and your vote is your voice. Remember that if you love God, you love your neighbour and have in mind what the Almighty God has done. He will give you the desire of your heart.”

    On her part, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, who accompanied the Americans on the visit to the council, said the Luther family was in Nigeria to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the death of Martin Luther King Jnr.

    She further said: “As they celebrate the 50th anniversary in Nigeria which is the first of its kind, we want Africans in the Diaspora and in Africa to work together for the development of the continent. So, it is a major step forward. It is our desire to work with our sisters and brothers of African descent to move the continent forward.”

    She also extolled Otunba Runsewe, saying he was a brother she could vouch for “when it comes to excellence and work ethic,” adding that Nigeria was not a terrorist state despite some of the security challenges facing the country. She was positive that the country would overcome these challenges.

    Responding, Runsewe thanked the high-profile visitors for their kind words and confidence reposed in him just as he recounted a previous historic meeting he had with Dr. Naomi while visiting the United States.

    He specially thanked Hon. Abike Dabiri for facilitating the visit, saying she had been a successful role model for women across the Nigeria and indeed Africa.

    The guests were subsequently treated to very entertaining cultural displays and music by the Performing Arts Department of the NCAC.

  • NCAC to partner diplomatic missions on culture, art to promote relations

    NCAC to partner diplomatic missions on culture, art to promote relations

    The National Council for Art and Culture (NCAC) has reiterated its commitment to partner with all diplomatic missions in Nigeria to promote cultural and artistic relationship.

    Chief Segun Runsewe, Director-General of the council, said this in an address of welcome at the opening of a two-day “Callio-Painting Exhibition and Training’’ in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The event was put together by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in collaboration with NCAC.

    According to Runsewe, we will continue to build strong relationships with all the diplomatic missions in Nigeria to boost cultural and artistic relationship.

    “Iran has opened a door that will remain strong for other missions to join.

    “ This two-day programme is a window that has just been opened between Nigeria and Iran.

    “This programme will also involve some training, capacity building and some synergy between the two countries.

    “Today is a day of showcasing the strength of the two countries speaking one language of culture.

    “Any country in the world that wants to be strong must be serious with education and culture.

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    Runsewe expressed delight that the two countries are partnering in these two sectors adding, “we are ready to partner other diplomatic missions in the country on culture and art.’’

    Earlier, the Ambassador of Iran, Mr Morteza Zarchi, said culture played an important role in uniting countries and nations.

    Zarchi noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran had thousands of calligraphy and callio-arts and paintings which were thousands of years old.

    According to him, Callio-painting started in Medina and Mecca and was the type use in writing the Holy Quran, Iran had played a major role in terms of development in callio.

    “On behalf of the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the cultural sector of the embassy, I want to say that this is the first time we are holding this event in Nigeria.

    “Iran has played important roles in terms of international and regional activities in promotion of different kind of arts.

    “This mission we have taken here today will further boost the relationship between the arts of Nigeria and Iran.

    “I want to use this platform to urge Nigerian artists to pay visits to Iran and have exhibitions of their artistic works,’’ Zarchi said.

    Also, in his key note address, Mr Vinod Kumar, Cultural Attaché at the Indian High Commission said art was one of the most powerful tools that could bring people together.

    “Let us spread the word to others for people to know what is happening, so that they can come here to celebrate,’’ Kumar said.

    An artist, Madhi Razi, whose over 25 art works were displayed at the event, said Nigeria was blessed with talented artists.

    Razi stressed that his works of art may have different meaning for different people, adding that praises to God was prominent in his works.

    The Ambassador of Algeria, other diplomatic corps and management team of NCAC were present at the occasion.

    NAN

  • DG,NCAC tasks Nigerians on national unity

    The Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has called on people agitating for the breakup of the country to think twice before going ahead with their plan.

    Runsewe made this known at the 30th edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture held in Kaduna State, with the theme, ‘ our peace and unity… Our pride.

    He noted that the some of the people even agitating for the breakup of the country were not even born when the civil war started and ended,  adding that no one that experienced the civil war would pray for another one.

    ” All those asking that we should divide the country, none of them were born before the civil war,  they did not know what happened, I will help them with a proverb, every mother in the house today should know these, ‘ when a woman backs her child on her back,  that child put on the back does not know the distance from the house to the market, it’s the mother that knows the distance, they should put a stop to these agitations and make the peace and unity of the country their pride,” He said.

    Runsewe disclosed that he was setting up a unity touch, which would be a new beginning for the country, adding that the touch would be sent all over the world, as all the states at the festival represents the country.

  • NCAC will build vibrant expo, says Runsewe

    NCAC will build vibrant expo, says Runsewe

    Kaduna State emerged the overall winners of the 2017 edition of the African Arts and Craft Expo (AFAC) that recently ended in Abuja.  The state beat other participants with its quality of stand and performance by the state’s cultural troupe.

    The well-attended expo which was graced by  more than 10 African countries and several  states was adjudged by visitors and participants  as the best in terms of organization.

    Speaking on the 2017 AFAC, one of the visitors, a Turkish national,  Hassim Raji said:  “This is the third time that I have come to this annual event. I normally come here to see if I could get some authentic African art work and textile. This year’s is the best that I have seen. The quality of the stand, the participating countries and states is impressive. I want to commend the organizers. Please tell them not to lower the standard.”

    Among the activities for this year were skill acquisition and training of youths in different crafts. Speaking on the success of this year’s expo, the Director General of the  National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC) who are also organisers of AFAC, Otunba Segun Runsewe, said this year’s expo  was the best of the expo in the last 10 yea

    He said: “Delegates from states, local governments, NGOs and higher institutions of learning attended the event in great numbers.

    “Also, foreign countries and their over 250 exhibitors and officials contributed greatly to international tourist inflow.

    “AFAC has provided both professional and social networking and mutual understanding across national borders and international divides.”

    The NCAC boss also revealed the tremendous impacts recorded at the skills acquisition segment of AFAC.

    He said NCAC recorded over 560 trainees acquiring various skills in bead making, cloth weaving, shoe making, hair-do, make up and ‘gele’, e-marketing and waste to wealth programmes.

    Runsewe said: “I therefore wish to appeal to government at all levels to support this initiative of the council. AFAC 2017 with the theme “Nigerian Crafts: Untapped Treasure” has achieved its objectives.”

    Runsewe, however, said that the challenges before NCAC were to attract critical stakeholders in joining hands with council to develop a vibrant expo.

    He stressed the need to leverage  the potential of the arts and craft industry to drive the economic diversification policy of the current administration.

    He appreciated President Muhammad Buhari and also the Minister Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammmed for the interest and support given to the sector.”

  • NCAC planning cultural golf competition – Runsewe

    Speaking as the special guest of honour at a recently concluded women’s golf day held at the IBB international golf course, Abuja, the Director-General of National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, has said plans are in top gear to ensure a groundbreaking cultural golf tournament is staged which promises to be the first of its kind in history.

    He disclosed this to women golfers who turned up to mark the occasion, promising to make the proposed cultural golf tourney a truely Nigerian cultural platform where all kits of the golfers shall be made in Nigeria.

    He announced that “our fabric is our pride; we are going to make all the golfers dress in our local textile outfits during the tournament”

    He said: “My vision is that any culture approach we initiate should result in creation of jobs for Nigerians. Culture is all about sports and we need all these in our upcoming event.”

    Runsewe said he had done a research recently and discovered that, if Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal play today, they would not make one-third of the appearance fee of the renowned golfer, Tiger Woods.

    He further stated that golf is the biggest network in the world going by the huge benefits it can bring to the economy of both the developed and the developing nations.

    He said: “It is a game that ensures ones body chemistry is actively alive when playing; worries are forgotten on the course”.