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Runsewe: NCAC to unfold post COVID-19 cultural intervention programme

The Director General National Council for Arts and Culture NCAC, Otunba Segun Runsewe, has called on Nigerians, particularly residents of Lagos, Ogun and FCT, to brace up and fight off the COVID-19 pandemic through strategic protocols already in place.

Otunba Segun Runsewe

The Director General National Council for Arts and Culture NCAC, Otunba Segun Runsewe, has called on Nigerians, particularly residents of Lagos, Ogun and FCT, to brace up and fight off the COVID-19 pandemic through strategic protocols already in place.

The custodian of federal cultural initiative and president, World Craft Council (WCC), Africa Region, explained that President Buhari, as the father of the nation, is pained about the effects of pandemic on the Nigerian people, hence the very visible interventions and public engagement to discourage panic and fear.

Runsewe further appealed for calm as the lockdown takes its course, adding that necessary intervention projects will get to the people if we must all see ourselves as stakeholders in the effort to kick coronavirus out of Nigeria.

“I must confess that the scenario is difficult for everyone, government losing revenue fast than ever before, the budget been slashed which again will affect project deliveries and the effects on those who work to eat. It’s a humongous reality but as a people, Nigerians have always in one accord, risen to put down clouds of darkness which threatened our collective existence in the past and this COVID-19 cannot be an exception,’” NCAC boss stressed.

He recalled the many values of the country’s cultural history, obedience to constituted authorities and respect for the welfare and safety of neighbours as face of several culture value chain, which Nigerians from all works of life must put to practice by observing social distancing, regular cleaning of our hands and other protocols meant to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Runsewe urged traditional rulers, clergymen and Moslem leaders not see the COVID-19 protocols and consequent lockdown across country as targeted against them but a sacrifice, which everybody must bear to keep the people and our future safe.

“Take a global look at what is happening today and every one can see even the greater impact. The Saudi Arabia government cancelled the Hajj activities and programs, the pope also shut down the Vatican and other grounding of travel, culture and tourism structures, so we cannot pretend these clear potential dangers and damage of COVID-19 in our country and take to behaviours that would endanger the life of our people,” Runsewe explained.

He disclosed that NCAC will unfold a post COVID-19 cultural intervention through skills acquisition across the nation to help unskilled Nigerians, particularly women to support the their families and to help rural economy to rebound.

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