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Runsewe: NAFEST Not Platform for Industry Misgivings, Hails Minister for Support

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Otunba Segun Runsewe, Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and Chairman, National Planning Committee for the 35th edition of the iconic National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), has said that the cultural fiesta should not be dragged into industry misgivings as this may project the entire sector in bad light to national and international publics.

Reacting to a statement by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, regarding its position on an event in which Nigeria – through the Ministry of Information and Culture – will be hosting a United Nations World Tourism Organisation event in Lagos this November, and allegedly adjudged by federation as having more attention from the minister more than NAFEST, Otunba Runsewe expressed shock that FTAN could seek to drag NAFEST into their misgivings.

“I never told anyone that the Minister has never attended NAFEST at any point in time.

“I should think that NAFEST as a festival of National coexistence and unity should not be presented in such light. The Honourable Minister has been supportive of NAFEST and all programmes of NCAC. He was with us in the Jos, Plateau edition, stayed all through the festival and has always sent senior officers of the ministry when each event clashes with his numerous assignments for the nation,” Runsewe explained.

He further stated and advised that culture remains a critical vehicle for international diplomatic relations apart from holding the window of national cohesion, and should be distanced from certain irritations in this time in the life our nation and as World is watching how we going to keep very deep cultural diversity intact as also a tool for tourism promotion.

“I will want to advise industry practitioners to carefully understand the roles of culture as a unifier of all Nigerians. They should also be patient and circumspect in pursuing any disagreement in the industry and endeavour to purse all peaceful process to resolve them. NAFEST is for peaceful engagement and Iim sure all practitioners and industry leaders will take advantage of NAFEST to showcase the love for our people and our nation,” Runsewe further stated.

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Culture

NANTA President Inaugurates Western Zone Secretariat, Recreation Centre

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Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), on Thursday in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital, inaugurated the Western Zone Office and Recreation Centre.

Located within the confines of the National Museum of Unity Aleshinloye Ibadan, the bungalow structured complex, has a restaurant, a bar, toilets and lounge area, with a Conference hall for meetings.

Unveiling the edifice and supported by Nanta veterans, led by nanta’s first female President, Mrs Teresa ( ezeobi) OjO, Nanta President, Mrs Susan Akporiaye, praised the initiative and leadership of Otunba Babatunde Adesokan for the secretariat project.

“From Abuja, kano , Portharcourt and lagos, my charge and directive to all our zonal leadership, is to make nanta proud by leaving behind legacies and strategic income generating projects which can sustain the association at zonal levels and am happy with what Otunba Babatunde Adesokan has done here. This secretariat and recreation centre is an inspiration and commendable,” Mrs Akporiaye stated.

Ibadan National Museum curator, Mrs Pamela otuka Oriyomi disclosed that nanta western zone was allowed to have a secretariat and recreation centre within the museum complex, due to collaboration agenda of the National Museum leadership in Abuja which believes nanta is at the forefront to drive cultural tourism traffic and also a major player in the promotion ofNigerian historical narratives.

Mrs Teresa Ojo, who spoke for the veterans, expressed happiness with the determination and robust commitment of nanta members and leadership at all levels on changing the Nigerian tourism landscape, effectively and effortlessly, through the promotion of Nigeria at the last World Travel Market in London, first ever by any association, , and urged the Otunba Adesokan led western zone, to break more Ceilings, liberating the zone from the shackles of poverty.

“We are proud with Adesokan and his executive for this cheering effort. We want you to do more, locate and promote local tourism sites and create tourism jobs and other strings of income for members.” Mrs OjO, further stated.

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Culture

Anyiam-Osigwe’s Death Has Created a Vacuum Difficult to Fill, Otunba Runsewe Mourns AMAA Founder

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President, Africa Region of World Craft Council (WCC) and Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, has described the death of 53 years old founder of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Peace Anyiam-Osigwe as a painful loss to Nigerian culture and creative sectors.

Runsewe said her death leaves a vacuum difficult to fill and prays that God gives the family, and the entire Nigerian culture and entertainment sector the fortitude to bear this sudden tragic loss in a year, the industry is looking up to create more jobs for youths in Nigeria.

“What a loss to our nation and industry. On behalf of NCAC, my family and the entire Nigerian and African cultural tourism industry, I condole with the ANYIAM OSIGWE FAMILY.

Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, who was also the President, Association of Movie Producers in Nigeria, died at a Lagos hospital, aged 53 years old.

Similarly, the DG NCAC, also commiserated with Mrs. Chika Balogun, former DG, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Studies (NIHOTOUR) who lost her husband recently and who had been interred according to Moslem rites.

“Mrs Balogun is a valued partner and sister and we, at NCAC sends our heartfelt condolences, wishing Chika to stay strong over the loss of her dear husband.” Runsewe stated

Otunba Segun Runsewe also prayed and sent condolences to Mrs Chioma Ezike of Radio Nigeria and Justina Okpanku of Just Tours, both of whom lost their father and mother respectively.

“These are trying times for these our friends and partners and we thank God for the lives of their parents who lived their full age and gave us these brilliant culture journalists who have been making contributions to the growth culture economy.

“NCAC stands with you both at this hour of your parents passage. Please remain strong” Otunba Runsewe prayed.

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Culture

Breaking: Lagos Wins Eko NAFEST 2022

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By Eric Elezuo

The Lagos State contingents at the National Festival of Arts and Culture tagged Eko NAFEST 2022 has been declared winners of this year’s edition of the weeklong cultural fiesta.

The state, which hosted the event, was proclaimed winner at the end of the event at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan having scored the highest number of points.

Ekiti which won last year came a distant third as Rivers and Bayelsa were joint second.

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