Minister Tasks Diplomatic community To Harness NCAC’s Cultural Initiatives .

Diplomatic community in Nigeria have been urged to harness National Council Arts and Culture NCAC’s Cultural initiative to strengthen diplomatic ties.

 

The Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, made call in Abuja,, Nigeria’s Capital, during 2024 Pre-INAC Dinner, hosted by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).

 

The Minister expressed her happiness in being part of NCAC family and emphasized the significance of the National Festival of Arts and Culture and the International Arts and Crafts Expo in showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. “these flagship programs have become vibrant avenues for showcasing Nigeria’s cultural identity,” she stated, urging both stakeholders and the diplomatic community to harness NCAC’s cultural initiatives to build diplomatic bonds”. Musawa said.

 

NCAC Describes Pre-INAC event which was attended by Diplomats and Representatives from 28 countries Dinner Builds Cultural Bridges for Global Unity.

 

The Council noted that, this dinner serves as a precursor to the upcoming International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo, creating a valuable platform for diplomatic representatives to connect with the NCAC, share ideas, and finalize arrangements for the event.

 

The Director General of the NCAC, Mr. Obi Asika, shared his vision for an enhanced INAC 2024, announcing expanded physical exhibitions and media presence for this year’s edition. Mr. Asika emphasized that participating nations would have the opportunity to present five-minute documentaries on their unique cultural traditions during the Expo, thereby reaching a global audience.

 

The Director commended the enduring and productive relationship between Nigeria, and the Diplomatic Community, for supporting NCAC’s mission to reposition Nigeria as a leader in the global cultural heritage, noting that Pre-INAC Dinner has become a cherished tradition.

 

The 17th edition of INAC 2024 will feature the biggest craft market with diverse crafts, cuisines, fashion and cultural display that will provide opportunity for networking, effective promotion and marketing for would-be sponsors. INAC 2024 will run concurrently with NAFEST from November 18th to 30th, 2024.

 

The Director General provided a glimpse into the upcoming National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), scheduled to take place from November 22nd to 30th in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.

 

With plans for enhanced international visibility, Mr. Asika stated that the event would bring attention to Abuja’s cultural richness and drive economic growth. Themed of the event is “Connected Culture,” NAFEST 2024 will feature an array of new programs designed to engage the global audience, including comedy shows, cultural troupe performances, sing-offs, book fairs, swag shows, danbe, dance competitions, and the famed “Jollof Wars” cooking competition.

 

The Director General took the opportunity to announce NCAC’s three key initiatives aimed at empowering Nigerian youth and expanding the nation’s creative economy’s horizon.

 

“1. ICE (Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship): This platform will provide Nigerian youth with the skills and resources needed to excel in the cultural industries.

2. ORIGINS: A digital repository for cultural content, allowing users to retain ownership of their work and facilitating an intellectual property index for Nigerian cultural assets.

3. CLAP (Creative Leap Acceleration Program): Developed in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, CLAP is on a mission to expand Nigeria’s Cultural and Creative Economy to $100 billion by 2030, aiming to create 2 million jobs through training, mentorship, and resources for young creatives”. Mr. Asika emphasized

 

Themed “Connected Culture,” INAC 2024 aims to strengthen Nigeria’s arts, culture and creative economy sector, driving partnerships, investments, and skills development that will equip Nigeria’s youth for the future. “INAC is now a vital driver of cultural and economic growth,” Asika affirmed, encouraging diplomatic missions to leverage the Expo to showcase their national cultural identities and foster cross-cultural understanding.

 

The Dean of the Diplomatic Community and Cameron’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. alaheddine Ibrahima, commended Obi Asika’s leadership and NCAC’s role in promoting peace, social harmony, and international understanding through cultural exchange. Ibrahima urged all foreign missions to maximize the opportunities provided by the NCAC to showcase their nations’ cultural identities.

 

The dinner was garnished with some cultural performances including Mr. Kunle Ayo, an accomplished musician of over two decades and the vibrant display of the “Talking Drum” by the Performing Arts Department of NCAC, creating an atmosphere of celebration and unity.