The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Runsewe

  • Celebrating Olumuyiwa Runsewe at 70

    Not once since its debut in COMET, two years ahead of The Nation, has this column celebrated anybody within my age bracket. Rather, it has been devoted to celebrating the life and times of the immortals: the likes of Chiefs Deji Fasuan, Dele Falegan, Alex Olu Ajayi, Raphael Esan, JG Adegbite, the Prince charming, Julius Adelusi Adeluyi and Professors Banji Akintoye, Oladipupo Akinkugbe and Baba Sam Aluko (posthumously). However, Olumuyiwa Runsewe who earns this spot today qualifies on many accounts but most especially, for his love, dedication and loyalty to friends, dead or living. Muyiwa very appropriately fits what the Yoruba call: ASOJU SEHIN, as he also remains in ramrod support of the families of our departed friends.

    For him though, I chose to be different. Rather than task myself, researching, and writing, about my dear aburo by 2 years and 6 months, I sent Muyiwa this short mail: “Baffday Boy, please send me a short write up on how you would love to be celebrated on these pages when, God helping us, you turn 90 in 2038. (It is our prayer and hope that we live to ripe, old age. And so shall it be  in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.)

    His short, racy, and pacy response reads as follows.

    “Come next Saturday February, 24th, my family, friends and well wishers  will travel to my community home in Ogbogbo Ijebu, to celebrate my 70th birthday with me. I eagerly look forward to sharing happy moments with my  family members and  friends of many years on what should  be a great and wonderful occasion. Muyiwa Runsewe attended  Loyola College, Ibadan and the University of Ibadan. By dint of hard work and God’s amazing grace, he is reputed  as one of the very brilliant students of Loyola, who has, over all the years, added colour and quality to the very famous school.

    Muyiwa is a friend you don’t ever regret being with:  cool, calm and ever willing to offer a helping hand to whoever comes his way, he is your quintessential neighbour. There is never a dull moment in his  company. As we look forward to my 70th birthday  there is this aspect of my life that I know my friends respect and celebrate me  for. It is my perseverance in the face of absolutely troubling times. I have seen it all, both  in my private life and in my businesses  which spanned, literally from sand to steel, with varying measures of success and  disappointment. Most men, confronted with 5 percent of  my pilgrimage “in the Land of Egypt”, would have long  caved in and given up on life. But, of course, with eternal gratitude to God Almighty for His abounding grace, I simply refused to. God’s divinely gifted resilience, courage, and eternal confidence in me, coupled with my solid faith in the Creator have all combined to restore me back to reckoning.

    Most people, my friends, in particular, say I am a likable man of the people and  as many of them will testify without a shred of doubt, they know I am committed to friendship and will remain so till the last days of my life. I look forward to seeing my friends, many of who I last  saw decades ago – friends from my Loyola College and University of Ibadan days and my Lagos friends. I sincerely hope to see my God Father, the highly regarded Chief Olu Falae and Mummy, Chief (Mrs) Falae, whose presence, on the occasion will, indeed, be the icing on the cake.

    Lest I forget, I too, like you, do write and comment on National and Development Issues and have been published several times in some of Nigeria’s leading newspapers.

    The above are the things I would like to see in your column as I celebrate my 90th and it is my prayer that you, and very many of our friends and admirers,will be there to celebrate with me.

    I must not end this brief write up without, once again, extending my unreserved gratitude to family members, friends, elders and admirers who have been able to make it a day with the entire Runsewe family of Ogbogbo Ijebu. Thank you.

  • Runsewe seeks cultural diplomacy with China

    Runsewe seeks cultural diplomacy with China

    Director-General National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe has solicited more cultural collaborations with the Peoples Republic of China. Otunba Runsewe also spoke while on a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, ZhouPingjian in Abuja  thanked the Chinese for supporting Nigeria in  human capital development and  rail system construction.

    ”It is on record that about seven states in Nigeria are understudying your rail system,” Runsewe said praising the ambassador for  assisting the staff of the Council in capacity building and also making Nigerians living in China feel welcome.

    Otunba intimated the ambassador on the plan of the Council to take the thirty-six Commissioners of various states of the Federation to China to understudy the Chinese cultural content in order to replicate it in Nigeria. Adding, “We will also like to formally invite you to next year’s AFAC which will come early in the year”.

    On his part, the Ambassador stated that Nigeria and China have a of similarities in terms of population and economy asserting that while Nigeria has the largest population in Africa, China has the largest population in the world.

    He disclosed that both countries are the major forces in economy in their respective continents saying Nigeria stands tall in Africa while China is a force to reckon with in Asia continent. He was also emphatic that both countries enjoy a very big cultural diversity.

    ” Nigeria’s tradition is awesome, we can truly work together”, said the Ambassador who reiterated that China’s government is ever ready to explore the various areas of collaboration in terms of cultural exchanges, capacity building and many other areas of opportunity.

    The envoy noted that, “It is on record both countries are major players in the world, if we build on our existing bilateral relationship, both nations will further make huge impact in the world as a whole”.

    Mr. Pingjian assured his guests that China will do everything to work harmoniously with Nigeria in areas of trade and commerce, technological advancement and other areas that will be of mutual interest to both countries adding, “China being the biggest economy in the world, I am happy to tell you that over 120, 000 million Nigerians visit China annually, we shall continue to play our leading role in the world and particularly in Nigeria as the most populous nation in Africa.

     

  • Runsewe repackages AFAC

    Runsewe repackages AFAC

    Director-General National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe has reiterated his pledge to unbundle the huge potential in culture sector to strategically drive the process of economic diversification in line with the government policy thrust.

    Speaking in Abuja on the update for this year’s edition of African Arts and Crafts Expo, Runsewe recalled that on assumption of office some months ago,  he made commitment to all Nigerians to reposition the Arts and Culture sector as a key player in the nation’s economy with the capacity to generate wealth and employment as well as contribute significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    According to him, this informed the theme of this year’s edition of the expo; Our Culture: The Untapped Treasure, which he noted was carefully selected to draw attention to the vast opportunities in the sector, and mobilize Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunities therein for personal empowerment and the economic development of Nigeria. This year’s African Arts and Craft Expo, which promises to be the largest of its kind in Africa, holds between August 27th and September 17th at Abuja.

    Runsewe disclosed that the council has embarked on wide and extensive consultations with stakeholders and key players in the industry, with a view to aggregating, harmonizing and mainstreaming all shades of opinions aimed at rebranding the Expo while also carrying out aggressive communication and marketing campaigns to raise national and international awareness for the event.

    He noted that the responses so far were quite overwhelming saying, “this has greatly encouraged us and further fueled our determination to expand the scope of the event and make the edition truly the best amongst its peers in Africa, in line with our leadership role in the continent.”

    “On my assumption of office about three months ago, I made a firm commitment to all Nigerians to reposition the Arts and Culture sector as a key player in the nation’s economy with the capacity to generate wealth and employment as well as contribute significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Accordingly, the new vision of the Council under my leadership is encapsulated in the statement culture: the new revenue base for Nigeria.”

    “This vision statement is far from being a mere slogan. It is borne out of our firm conviction that there are abounding opportunities in the Arts and Culture Sector that could be harnessed and channeled towards reinventing our economy.”

    He assured that he alongside his management was leaving no stone unturned in making this year’s exposition a unique one featuring unprecedented and memorable events especially in packaging and delivery.

    He stated that the massive construction and renovation works ongoing at the site affirming the essence was to give practical expression to the determination of elevating the exposition to an international standard that Nigeria and the whole of Africa would be proud of.

    In his words, “before this time, the expo had been held here on a bare, dusty and uneven ground. We have now graded and tarred the main bowl of the exhibition arena, measuring about 1.5 hectares. We plan to also do landscaping and beautification.”

    On issues of security, he said that “we now have a police post within the premises of the village for 24-hour security cover. For the first time, we have illuminated the entire village with flood lights. We are also constructing and renovating environment-friendly public utilities to make the arena a conducive social environment for our exhibitors, delegates and clients.”

    Innovations expected at AFAC 2017 include, skill acquisition programme in order to build or enhance the capacity of our creative artists in various areas, Chefs will be invited to teach Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike the rudiments of Nigerian cuisines, experts would also be available to teach interested participants the simple ways of communicating in our major indigenous languages, there will be hosting of Cultural Attaches in Nigeria to a Pre-AFAC Dinner including an Investment Round-Table during the main event amongst others.

     

  • Runsewe, Fasuyi pay tribute to Maitama Sule

    Runsewe, Fasuyi pay tribute to Maitama Sule

    The Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, has condoled with the family of Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule.

    Runsewe said Sule would be remembered for  many contributions to the development of Nigeria, especially in arts and culture.

    He recalled that as the pioneer chairman of NCAC Board in 1975, Sule laid a solid foundation for the development of the arts and culture, adding that he was at the forefront in promoting cultural values.

    The NCAC chief recalled that the late Sule stood against cultural imperialism and spent his entire life promoting African cultural values as the bedrock for national unity, integration and development.

    According to Runsewe, Maitama Sule was a true patriot, a moralist who spoke against corruption, bad governance and discrimination along religious, political and ethnic divide.

    As a democrat, Runsewe said, the late Sule was an apostle of the rule of law, democratic good governance based on the principles of free, fair and peaceful elections. ‘’He will be remembered as one Nigerian who spent his entire life fighting for the unity, peace and development of the Nigeria nation state,’’ Runsewe added.

    Also, former Arts Adviser to the Federal Government and founder, TAFAS Legacy Gallery, Ikeja, Lagos, Chief Timothy Banjo Fasuyi, described the late Maitaima Sule as a detribalised Nigerian, who was democratic and full of honour. Fasuyi disclosed that Sule was to be chairman of his last birthday exhibition in May, but could not make it because of health challenges.

    “The death of Maitama Sule was a shock to me. Shock not because he was young, but that he was a true friend dating back to the 70s. In fact, he was to be the chairman of my last birthday exhibition in May. But because of his health he could not make it.

    “I met him in 1970 when I was the Federal Art Adviser, and I realised that there was no central authority on arts and culture in Nigeria. There was Northern Nigeria Cultural Society under Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, and there was a Lagos Arts Council with Chief Ajanaku Araba as chairman. I thought there should be a national body. I then wrote a paper to government to that effect and I was given the green light to go ahead. I met Araba in Lagos and Maitama Sule in Kano who called a meeting of his society members on my mission. He was a man of culture and very democratic.

    “At the Kaduna meeting, a paper on the policy and work schedule of the proposed art council was ratified and culture was placed under Information Ministry  with Chief Kola Balogun as Minister. The new council was approved as National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) with branches in the twelve states,” he added.

    Fasuyi said Sule was the first chairman of NCAC and that each time he visited Lagos for meetings, he conducted himself as a civilised gentleman and was highly respected by all. ‘’He was a detribalised Nigerian with lots of ideas,’’ he said.  According to him, Maitama Sule was very honest and upright in dealing with people and was never ready to accept what he never deserved even as chairman of the council.

    “He used his wisdom to save us during one of the national festivals in Kaduna following a protest when the Atilogu dancers from the Eastern zone won the trophy in dancing competition. He suggested that to prevent undue protests, dance should be categorised into war, social and civilian dances. And that gave different zones the opportunity to win one of the trophies in dance competitions,” he added.

  • Runsewe endorses Press Gallery for AFAC, NAFEST

    The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Director-General, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has approved Press Gallery as a platform to showcase its flagship programmes, the African Arts and Craft Expo (AFAC) and National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), billed for August and October.

    He made this known when the Press Gallery team led by its Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Isiaka Mustapha, a visited him  in Abuja.

    He noted that the invitation to cover NCAC’s events would only be extended to  worthy professionals in media practice.

    Runsewe said with the reportage by  Press Gallery, he had no doubt that the Africa Arts And Crafts Expo 2017 would be well covered.

    He said: “Having distinguished yourself with outstanding reportage, I have the strong belief that with you on ground during the forthcoming AFAC and NAFEST, the entire world will be adequately informed through your reliable and dependable coverage network.’’

    He added that guests, governors and commissioners’ contacts would be given to the team to link them up with the council’s activities during the event, noting that time had come for Nigerians to celebrate their own, especially performing media organisations, such as  Press Gallery.

    Runsewe praised the editorial team of Press Gallery led by Mustapha for giving the council coverage, despite the short notice.

    “You have been giving prompt coverage to all our events and we are so excited. Take it from us that we shall partner you in all our activities,” he promised.

    Mustapha expressed his gratitude to the DG for being a committed father and supporter of Press Gallery media organisation, saying: “It is indeed, a great day for me and my team to stand before you and your highly committed management team to express our support and appreciation for all your kindness and sterling attributes.’’

    Isiaka added: “As a body, we couldn’t have stood without your support, generosity and magnanimity while we were building our permanent corporate headquarters, which you declared open in 2013. You remain one Nigerian who is detribalised and a man of honour and integrity in all dimensions.”

    He congratulated Runsewe on his appointment, adding: “We are here to felicitate with you on your new appointment as director-general of the National Council for Arts and Culture. Like the transformation you recorded in the tourism industry, it is our belief that your tenure in the culture sector shall also reach enviable heights.’’

  • 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”.

  • Runsewe: Economy beyond oil

    Runsewe: Economy beyond oil

    At a time of massive shift in focus to non-oil sources to boost the nation’s revenue, it comes as refreshing that one of the foremost practitioners in the tourism sector, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has offered the nation the benefit of his thoughts on a sector that holds so much promises for the nation’s economic revival.

    I refer to his presentation at The Telegraph Economic Summit with theme “Nigeria: Beyond Oil Economy” held at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel And Towers Thursday, March 17. Until like the now-familiar cant about the need to diversify the nation’s economy, Runsewe’s 3,649 words paper, titled Our Heritage, Our Destination in A new Economy  offers a fresh vista on the subject, locating what I consider the missing link in the search for the nation’s place as tourism destination.

    His resounding thesis is that our heritage – which embraces our landmass, ecosystem, culture and all those tangible and intangible attributes that define us as a people – when carefully harnessed and packaged, has the potential capacity to support a robust tourism industry that could serve as a major pillar and key player in a new economy.

    He argues, quite forcefully, that “our landmass of over 923, 000 sq kilometers stretching from the Atlantic Coast and the Rain Forest in the South through the Savannah to the semi-arid region in the North… a fascinating topography magnificently blessed by nature”…the diverse ecosystems manifesting in varying climatic zones, network of rivers, lakes, beautiful beaches, awesome caves, warm and cold springs and waterfalls all add to the beauty, glamour and vagrancy of Nigeria’s natural environment” – eminently predisposes us to a share of the big tourism pie which is reckoned to hit USD 2.0 trillion by 2020.

    His words:  “With over 350 ethnic groups, Nigeria is the most plural and most culturally diverse nation in black Africa. The richness of her natural environment and her culture and the diversity of her people readily make Nigeria a potential tourist destination of choice in Africa”.

    Like the veteran practitioner that he is – (he was former DG of Nigerian Tourist Corporation) – he saw the nation’s ecotourism resources as having the potentials to draw tourists from all corners across the globe; the various festivals such as the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival  in Kebbi State, Nwonyo Fishing Festival in Taraba State and Osun-Osogbo Cultural Festivals in Osun State, the Religious Tourism all of which provide a rich diversity from which the world could pick from.

    If there is any single take-away for me; it would be the lesson he sought to draw from Dubai, the once remote, obscure desert that has today transformed to one of the foremost global tourist destinations. If I may paraphrase the singular lesson, it is that – tourism does not just happen; it has to be made to happen. Here is hoping that those in charge of the sector will care to listen to the admonitions of Chief Runsewe now that the nation needs all the help it can get!

  • Runsewe: tourism can offer 75m jobs

    Runsewe: tourism can offer 75m jobs

    Tourism is capable of employing 75 million Nigerians directly or indirectly, if properly harnessed, ex-Director General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Commission (NTDC) Otunba Olusegun Runsewe said yesterday.

    Delivering  a paper: “Our Heritage, Our Destination in a New Economy,” at New Telegraph Economic Summit in Lagos, Runsewe regretted that the sector was not able to maximise its potential because it did not receive adequate attention.

    But he insisted that “if the nation’s tourism sector is adequately developed, it can secure jobs for over 75 million people.”

    Runsewe said the challenges of ethnic and tribal sentiments made the sector to be retarded.

    Referring to his proposal for the development of Calabar City as a tourism destination, the ex-NTDC chief said the suggestion was rejected by some stakeholders because Calabar is in a particular region of the country.

    “But I must say that Dubai that we rush to today is not the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In fact, the UAE has seven states and the states are benefiting from the tourism city that Dubai has become,” Runsewe said.

    He added that the Federal Government should also put in place policies backed by regulations to ensure that investors observe the catchment area requirement for employment.

    Runsewe said all the leading hotels in the world have their branches in Nigeria, but rather give jobs to the people of their countries of origin.

  • Runsewe commends NATOP, seeks fresh industry focus

    Former Director  General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, has called on tourism practitioners in Nigeria to wake up to their responsibilities by holding the leaders  of the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) accountable.

    Runsewe was reacting to the recent National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) recognition award presented to him in  Calabar.

    He noted that the industry leadership needs total overhauling in view of its lack of presence and very poor advocacy for tourism change in Nigeria, particularly at this time when Nigeria needs help to diversify its economy.

    Runsewe, who was a recipient of NATOP award for major tourism contribution during his tenure in office, noted that time has come to rebrand the industry, appreciating the fact that tourism is better than oil because it is the highest employer of labour in the world.

    He however commended NATOP for showing robust capacity to analyse national tourism issues and also for having a sense of history for choosing to confer an award on him for his modest contribution to growth of Nigerian tourism.

    In a letter to the president of NATOP dated 19th February, and personally signed by him, Otunba Runsewe, who is now the Chairman, Golf Garden Waterfront, an upscale golf sports tourism resort in Abuja and first of its kind in Africa, stated that NATOP has always played vital roles in setting the tourism message right in Nigeria.

  • FTAN President, Adejuwon kick against Runsewe’s removal

    Reactions have continued to trail the removal of the former boss of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Otunba Segun Runsewe.

    Among those who recently expressed their indignation were the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Chief Samuel Alabi, and Dr. Franklin Adejuwon, former Chairman, Presidential Committee on Tourism Masterplan.

    Speaking on the issue, Alabi described the government’s action as a blow to the development of the tourism industry in the country.

    He said: “ I have to confirm that I am yet to be officially informed that there has been a change of barton. But be that as it may, I can say that I met Otunba Runsewe during the course of my assignment as FTAN president. I saw, from my interaction with him, a man that has zeal and passion for the development of the industry. It bothers on circumventing due process in governance in Nigeria. There is a term stipulated in the decree and that was not complied with. It is another blow to the development of industry. When a person is given a term of four years and that term is still subsisting…There was no probe, no panel and nothing is communicated to the public and suddenly the person is removed from office, it calls for questions.”

    He continued: “Runsewe transformed the NTDC from what we used to know it to a very visible corporation. In the past, many people would not be happy, if they were given the position of the NTDC Director-General, but now, that guy, whom I said I never knew before I became the President of the NTDC, did wonderfully well. I don’t treat people on the basis of how I know them, and I can say categorically that I have no direct dealing with Otunba Runsewe further than the FTAN-NTDC job.

    “I pray for the woman that is there now that God will give her the courage and strength to move tourism far above what she met. I can tell you that Nigerians are used to certain standards of activities in the NTDC. Anybody that will go there and try to go back to the pre-Runsewe era will not find it easy. Again, I have no apology to anybody. I am not a contractor; I am not a civil servant and equally, I don’t ask for money from anybody. I am just saying things the way they are.

    “I know wherever Otunba Runsewe finds himself , he will not fail because of the way he handles issues. This is my position on the matter.”

    Dr. Adejuwon said: “He kept on burning the candle at both ends to keep the industry alive. Why must he now be the scapegoat, while indolent people are left to perpetuate the uninnovative existence? Government is its own worst enemy. It has always created and demolished.”