NCAC poised for better performance – Runsewe

Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) says the council will be repositioned for better performance.

Runsewe, said this when he welcomed Africa -Nordic Ministers of Foreign Affairs on tour of the Arts and Craft village on Friday in Abuja.

The NCAC boss said that the country was blessed with rich cultural heritage and hospitable people.

“The NCAC will soon become the Central Bank of Culture in Nigeria and we are definitely going to provide that Nigerian story with greatness.

“There are about 600 languages in Africa and Nigeria alone has over 224; so we must start to celebrate our strength as a people.

“We should start telling our stories the way it should be told, rather than allow somebody telling them the wrong way; that is part of our strategy.

He explained also that visitors should be able to leave the country at the end of their visits with good impression of the country.

Runsewe expressed the optimism that the visiting Ministers after the warm reception, listening to good traditional music, tasting of some Nigerian food, would have positive disposition about the country.

He maintained that the ministers have attested to the fact that Nigerians were cultured, hospitable and friendly.

“Today we are opportune to have over 25 countries. ,What other opportunity can we have.

“They are going back home with an impression that Nigeria is a home of hospitable and culturally friendly people, ” Runsewe said.

In her vote of thanks, the group leader Ms Unnur Ramette who is also the Iceland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs appreciated the warm reception accorded them by Nigeria and NCAC.

“I love the Nigerian cultural music; I came in yesterday; every thing is beautiful; you have a very nice city and fantastic places.

“Artist gives a country identity and bring in tourists; artists are the best ambassadors; your artists are wonderful.

“However, my country Iceland have strong relationship with Nigeria especially in trade; in export of stock fish and dried fish.

“Nigeria is one of the most important market in the world and many people don’t realise that, so we have strong ties with people in Nigeria,” Ramette said.

Similarly, the Cameroonian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Lejeune Mbella expressed satisfaction with the relationship between Nigeria and his country.

He also commended the effort of Runsewe adding that he enjoyed the reception and entertainment offered them by the NCAC.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlight of the event was a cultural performance by the council.

The Africa-Nordic Meetings of Foreign Ministers were initiated by the late Swedish Foreign Minister, Ms Anna Lindh in 2001.

The meeting focuses on trade and investment as means of promoting sustainable development.