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  • Runsewe salutes organisers of Sportsville Awards

    Runsewe salutes organisers of Sportsville Awards

    Otunba Segun Runsewe has heaped plaudits on the organisers of the annual Sportsville Special Recognition Awards, adding the initiators deserve commendation for coming up with this unique award.

    The uniqueness of the award, according to the current President of Nigeria Golf Federation, is honouring those who have made huge contributions to Nigeria’s Sports Development in the past.

    Runsewe who is listed in the ICON Category stated: “Whether you like it or not, there are persons that have made huge contributions to the level Nigeria’s sports is today. Many may have forgotten, but Sportsville didn’t forget.

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    “This to me, this makes the award unique and I am very proud and excited of this honour.

    “I am looking forward to grazing the occasion with my friends and associates, organizations like Sportsville deserve support and encouragement.”

    Otunba Runsewe whose contributions to Nigeria sports development is well documented, was named alongside Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, the only Governor whose tenure Nigeria won the once elusive CAF Champions League, back-to-back, Chief Solomon Ogba, a thorough-bred administrator whose imprints remain indelible, and Rt Hon Victor Ochei, who brought life and vibes to Special Sports.

    Former Nigeria international and erstwhile Green Eagles captain, Dr Segun Odegbami , is the Chairman of the ceremony fixed for Friday, March 1st, 2024 at EKO CLUB, Surulere, Lagos.

  • Runsewe bags award

    Runsewe bags award

    Impressed by the commitment the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, (NCAC) Otunba Segun Runsewe has brought to bear on his assignment as Nigeria culture chief, and his determination to sustain cultural relationship between Nigeria and China, the Nigeria-China Business Council has honored him with the award of Cultural Bridge Builder.

    Presenting the award, the national coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr Matthew Uwakwe at a ceremony to mark the Council’s recognition and award dinner in Abuja, stated that Runsewe has worked tirelessly to build a strong relationship between Nigeria and China.

    He added that Runsewe had in various ways, convinced the world that Nigerian culture in its diversity has capacity to foster unity and peace among the people of both countries.

    He said the Chinese Consulate and the Chinese community in Nigeria were pleased with the pace, passion and diplomatic harmony Runsewe has brought to bear on his assignment as Nigeria culture chief to sustain cultural relationship between the countries.

    In his keynote address titled Strategy For Promoting Cultural Integration Among Nigeria and China, Runsewe drew attention to the need to activate all aspects of cultural ties between Nigeria and China. He canvassed the organising of regular cultural troupes/performances and exhibitions between the two countries.

    He said: “Nigeria and China enjoy one of the best bilateral diplomatic and cultural relationships in the world. This bilateral relationship has existed for half a century and was formally promulgated with the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1971 and rejuvenated by the strategic partnership accord in 2005.

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    “Even recently, China and Nigeria demonstrated their continued commitment to this robust, healthy, progressively dynamic and holistic relationship when they signed the governmental Memorandum of Understanding during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Beijing Summit.

    “China remains one of Nigeria’s key allies, with key bilateral trade and strategic cooperation, as well as trading import and export partnerships. With 80 per cent of Nigeria’s population indicating a positive perception of Nigeria-China relation, Nigeria is clearly one of the most pro-China nations in the world.”

    Continuing, he said: “Both countries share similarities with regards to their strategic positioning in their respective continents, their political and economic influence as well as population strength. This fosters a mutually beneficial and harmonious atmosphere full of opportunities for sharing, understanding and exchanging of cultural commonalities and diversities among the two countries. Otunba Runsewe also identified factors that enhance mutual benefits between Nigeria and China.

    Both countries share the same national day – October 1. For Nigeria, the year is 1960, while China’s is 1948. The two countries are ethnically diverse and share the misfortune of experiencing a civil war at some points in their histories, with the impacts still felt today in various ways. It will be recalled that Runsewe is currently China Man of The Year and Chairman, Africa China Culture Exchange Society.

  • Runsewe woos Chinese investors, tourists to Nigeria

    Africa Region President of World Crafts Council and Director-General of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, has told a gathering of Chinese to disregard the negative narrative about Nigeria that it is a destination for drugs and internet fraud.

    Speaking at a global cultural tourism forum in China, Runsewe said Nigeria is a notable key player in African affairs and its premium relationship with world economies necessitated certain organised dark syndicates in Black Africa to target its passport and use same to carry out nefarious business deals and related sundry crimes.

    The NCAC chief urged the Chinese to disregard such negative reports about Nigeria as the country and Black Africa will present the best pictures of cultural tourism destination in the next few years.

    He said: “I bring you kind greetings from Nigeria and Africa and wish to correct the wrong impression and misleading narrative about Nigeria and Africa as destination for illegal drugs and terrorism. Nigeria is a wonderful country with rich culture, which frowns at acts unbecoming of best human practices.”

    Runsewe hailed the organisers for inviting him to share his story about Nigeria, saying Nigeria is hospitable, hence a rich cultural tourism destination waiting for Chinese investors and tourists.

    Stakeholders at the forum lauded the frank contributions and explanations Runsewe presented.

    They said these would open up the floodgate of business and cultural understanding between Nigeria and China.

     

  • 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 hails Marwa committee on drugs

    The Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, has hailed the initiative of the Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa-led Presidential Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA).

    Runsewe said the initiative is a welcome development considering the challenges of drug abuse amongst Nigerians, especially the youth.

    Runsewe, who is Nigeria’s number one culture ambassador and a staunch advocate of preserving the country’s cultural identity, observed with very keen interest that drug abuse has never been part of our culture.

    Declaring his stand via telephone conversation, the NCAC DG noted with excitement that the committee has come at the right time to enlighten and educate Nigerians on the dangers of drug abuse.

    He was particularly happy with the committee’s proposal of introducing random drug testing for Nigerians aimed at identifying persons in need of attention and assisting them overcome the challenge of addiction.

    Speaking further, Runsewe cited the Malaysian and Korean experience as countries that have been successful in tackling the menace of drug abuse since the 1990s by aligning closely with the International Drug Policy Consortium which is a global network of organisations and professional networks that specialise in issues related to illegal drug production and use.

    He noted that Nigeria can engage the Consortium as it promotes objective and open debate on the effectiveness, direction and content of drug policies at national and international level while supporting evidence-based policies that are effective in reducing drug-related harm.

    Runsewe  assured  Nigerians that the NCAC will continue to play its part by using the cultural content of our domestic environment to sustain the fight against drug abuse.

     

  • Runsewe urges Nigerians to imbibe Rotarian lifestyle

    Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Chief Olusegun Runsewe, has urged Nigerians to imbibe the Rotarian way of life by assisting humanity and living in peace with all.

    Runsewe spoke during the investiture of Winifred Ogbebo as the seventh President of the Rotary club of Abuja, Maitama.

    The DG said: “This can apply to relations with others in the home, office and our business environs. The Rotarians are truly peace ambassadors in the society

    “Two months ago Rotarians treated 1.2m people in Afghanistan free of charge. They are completely committed to clean water and provide amenities for the society where ever they find themselves. No one has come to this world with anything and they are not taking anything back.

    “The time to stop celebrating mediocrity is over. With rotary peace will return fully and there will be love amongst us worth celebrating.”

    Incoming President Ogbebo said being a Rotarian had molded her life, the idea of giving back to humanity is something everyone should embrace, it feels you with peace knowing that someone out there has the pleasure of living because of you.

    She said: “I joined rotary more than seven years ago, it is a humanitarian organisation that one can key into to access the world. You don’t need to have millions of naira to help people. Rotary is about different professionals coming together to give their time.”

  • Runsewe heads World Crafts Council

    The Director General at the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has become the President of the World Craft Council (WCC), African Region.

    Runsewe was picked during the meeting of the Executive Board in London.

    His choice for the position was conveyed to him through a May 14 letter from the international President of the Council, Rosy Greenless.

    The World Craft Council is a Non-Governmental Professional Organisation affiliated with UNESCO, Category A. which has responsibility for the regulation and development and promotion of the handicrafts in the world.

    The Regional Chapters are in Africa, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific, Europe and America.

    Each region is headed by a President who oversees the affairs by coordinating the activities of all countries within the region.

    On the appointment, Runsewe said: “This is a great honour done to Nigeria which has a rich cultural heritage. I am proud that the world has recognised Nigeria’s role as the cornerstone of culture in this continent.  I will do my best to promote arts and culture in Africa.

    “I dedicate the appointment to President Muhammadu Buhari whose administration has steadily promoted arts and culture.

    “In spite of our diversity, I will ensure the unity of Africa. I have always said that there is beauty in diversity. Our linguistic diversity is a source of strength that must be properly harnessed.

    “This strength finds expression in our folk laws, lyrics, idioms, proverbs and even literature in Africa.”

  • Runsewe to raise 3 millon culture-friendly supporters

    In 2010, South Africans used vuvuzela to cheer their footballers at the World Cup. This year, Nigeria will have Pito and Saworo ide as part of musical instruments to urge its footballers to go for goals at Russia 2018 World Cup in June, courtesy of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports. 

    Eight years ago, the Otunba Segun Runsewe-led the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) put up one of the major off-shows at the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup. It showcased the rich cultural and tourism potential of Nigeria to the world.

    Last week, in Abuja, Runsewe kicked off a campaign to raise three million culture-friendly supporters to cheer Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles, at Russia 2018 World Cup tournament in June.

    Specially-designed unique crafts, cultural and local music instrument as well as give-away items, such as fez caps, are being packaged to galvanise supporters of the Super Eagles at the World Cup.

    At a presentation of some of the items in his office in Abuja, Otunba Runsewe, the National Council for Arts and Culture   Director-General stressed the need to replicate Nigeria’s impressive cultural showing at South Africa 2010 in Russia come up in June.

    He said: “We need to celebrate the country ourselves. We cannot wait for anybody to do it for us. And the time has come we must reawaken the consciousness of our people that one of our biggest assets is our culture. Most countries don’t joke with their national flag and colours.”

    He reminded Nigerians that, despite that the Super Eagles did not win the World Cup in South Africa, the country put up a fantastic performance off the field, showcasing her rich cultural and tourism potential. He said the tournament could also be used to achieve an objective greater than winning the cup

    He recalled that one outstanding component adopted by the Nigerian contingent under his leadership at the NTDC was the Nigerian Village model, which was specially crafted and culturally equipped to woo everyone while also leading a successful delegation to the month-long event.

    He noted that the Nigerian Village was a huge success in terms of providing a platform to showcase the country’s rich art and crafts, dress culture, cuisine and tourism prospects, thereby drawing attention to everything positive which the country represents.

    Runsewe stressed that there was the need to bring back such glory using Russia 2018 to market Nigeria’s rich and diverse culture, art and craft to attract global patronage, which, according to him, will translate to massive Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the country  after the fiesta.

    He assured Nigerians that the NCAC, having initiated a campaign to raise three million culture- friendly supporters to cheer the Super Eagles, was ready to undertake this responsibility just as he solicited the support of Nigerians towards this course.

    One of Nigeria’s greatest strikers, Segun Odegbami said there should be unity because it is one country one Nigeria.There shouldn’t be squabble over who should be chairman of NFF or not. He described the Nigerian Supporters Club as probably the best ambassadors Nigeria ever had.

    Nigerian Supporters Club President-General, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo commended Runsewe, saying the support from NCAC was most welcome.

    “You are telling us to do more and encourage the young ones to take after us. If that is done, the country will be better for all of us,” he said.

  • Varsity administrators honour Runsewe

    Varsity administrators honour Runsewe

    National Council for Arts and Culture Director-General Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has been honoured with a Distinguished Service Award in Administration by Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) chapter of Nigerian University Professional Administrators for his meritorious service to culture and tourism sector.

    The event also featured a lecture Reflections on Nigerian University and the quest for national development, problems and prospects delivered by Prof Michael Olufisayo Ologunde, who represented Prof Oladapo Afolabi.

    Runsewe praised the administrators for finding him worthy of the award, adding that it would inspire him to do more for the sector. “I am sincerely grateful and honoured to be a recipient of this prestigious award. For me, to whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.

    According to Ruwese’s citation read at the ceremony, he was born in Kaduna to the family of Pa Bankole Runsewe from Ogun State. He attended St. Michael Primary School, Kaduna, before proceeding to Vohoeven Technical College, Minna, now Government Technical College. He holds an MBA in Marketing from Edo State University and HND in Management Studies from London School for Executives. He also has a Diploma in Public Relations from the London School of Management Studies and a Professional Certificate in Estate and Property Management from Kaduna Polytechnic.

    Otunba Runsewe has remained a consistent phenomen in the media, culture and tourism sector in the last three decades. He worked as a Marketing Manager at the New Nigerian Newspaper and rose to the position of General Manager at the organisation. He also worked as Head/CEO, Sports Weekly and was Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of National Network Newspapers. He was also the Media Coordinator, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2013, Abuja.

    Runsewe was appointed Executive Director at the National Orientation Agency in 2000, a position he held until his appointment as the Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in August 2006. His tenure at NTDC was a watershed in the development of tourism sector in Nigeria. His aggressive marketing tourism campaign, anchored on the catch-phrase ‘Tourism is Life’ gave the tourism industry national and international visibility.

    Otunba Runsewe is a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Chairman, Nigerian Sports Writers Association; Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Journalism; Fellow, Institute of Management (FIM); and Association of Business Executives (FABE), London.

     

  • Varsity administrators honour Runsewe

    Varsity administrators honour Runsewe

    National Council for Arts and Culture Director-General Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has been honoured with a Distinguished Service Award in Administration by Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) chapter of Nigerian University Professional Administrators for his meritorious service to culture and tourism sector.

    The event also featured a lecture Reflections on Nigerian University and the quest for national development, problems and prospects delivered by Prof Michael Olufisayo Ologunde, who represented Prof Oladapo Afolabi.

    Runsewe praised the administrators for finding him worthy of the award, adding that it would inspire him to do more for the sector. “I am sincerely grateful and honoured to be a recipient of this prestigious award. For me, to whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.

    According to Ruwese’s citation read at the ceremony, Otunba Runsewe was born in Kaduna to the family of Pa Bankole Runsewe from Ogun State. He attended St. Michael Primary School, Kaduna, before proceeding to Vohoeven Technical College Minna, now Government Technical College. He holds an MBA in Marketing from Edo State University and HND in Management Studies from London School for Executives. He also has a Diploma in Public Relations from the London School of Management Studies and a Professional Certificate in Estate and Property Management from Kaduna Polytechnic.

    Otunba Runsewe has remained a consistent phenomen on in the media, culture and tourism sector in the last three decades. He worked as a Marketing Manager at the New Nigerian Newspaper and rose to the position of General Manager at the organisation. He also worked as Head/CEO, Sports Weekly and was Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of National Network Newspapers. He was also the Media Coordinator, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2013, Abuja.

    Runsewe was appointed Executive Director at the National Orientation Agency in 2000, a position he held until his appointment as the Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in August 2006. His tenure at NTDC was a watershed in the development of tourism sector in Nigeria. His aggressive marketing tourism campaign, anchored on the catch-phrase Tourism is Life gave the tourism industry national and international visibility.

    Otunba Runsewe is a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Chairman, Nigerian Sports Writers Association; Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Journalism; Fellow, Institute of Management (FIM); and Association of Business Executives (FABE), London.