Nigerians have been called on to invest more in locally produced arts and crafts to help grow locally made products and encourage indigenous artists.
The Head of Gallery and Exhibition, Federal Capital Territory Council for Arts and Culture Mr. Ewenyi Abdul gave the charge at the ongoing 14th drive-in exhibition of International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo, with the theme: “Networking Nigerian Crafts to the World” in Abuja.
Mr. Abdul said what Nigerians were looking for in foreign countries could be produced and consumed locally.
“We need to invest more in our cultural product. If Nigeria invests more in arts and craft, it will generate more revenue, create job opportunities and encourage Nigerian creatives to do more”.
The 3 day event which commenced on Wednesday has more than 13 states and the Federal Capital Territory participating.
Some of the states exhibiting their arts and crafts at INAC Expo include Jigawa, Bayelsa, Kano, Lagos, Kaduna, Katsina, Ondo and Zamfara.
Others are Ogun, Yobe, Kebbi, Nasarawa states and the Federal Capital Territory.
More Patronage
Delegates from some of the states called on Nigerians to appreciate locally made products as huge patronage had been recorded only from the international visitors.
Mr. Yusuf Ahmed-k-Jarma, the Executive Secretary, Jigawa State History and Cultural Bureau, said his state was exhibiting leather, metal works and ceramics.
According to him, the state had enjoyed more patronage from the international community in attendance than Nigerians.
”Since yesterday when the expo opened, we have only seen the international visitors come to buy our arts, but Nigerians have shown little interest in buying.
”This is the time to wake up and promote our local products for wealth creation,” he added.
Also, the Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Oladusi Komolafe, said Nigeria was blessed with talents in the arts and craft industry that should be translating to financial gains for the artists and the country.
He commended the NCAC for a successful hosting of the 14th INAC by creating a veritable platform for marketing Nigerian crafts and called on Nigerians to take the opportunity to appreciate their crafts to be able to benefit tangibly from it.
Documentaries of rich arts and crafts from some states and foreign countries were showcased during the expo.
On display at the 14th INAC were local crafts, cuisine, fashion, exhibition of apparels and embroidery; brass and metal designs amongst others.
The expo commenced on Wednesday 13, October, and will end on Friday 15 Oct 2021.
Hauwa Abu
