The People’s Republic of China has pledged to intensify its cooperation with the Nigerian National Council of Arts and Crafts (NCAC) with a view to taking the International Arts and Crafts Expo organised by the council annually to the next level.
The Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director, China Cultural Centre in Nigeria (CCCN), Mr Li Xuda, disclosed this to newsmen at the end of the just concluded 16th International Arts and Crafts Expo in Abuja.
This is a wonderful event. We are so
This year’s expo, which ran from 7th through 9th September, 2023 with the theme: “Networking Nigerian Crafts to the World”, had 29 countries and 16 states of the Nigerian federation represented as disclosed by the director general of NCAC, Chief Olusegun Runsewe, at the beginning.
Mr Li who expressed delight that his country was part of the event noted that it provides a suitable platform where different cultures around the world can be harnessed for mutual understanding and relationship among countries.
“This is a wonderful event. We are so
excited to be part of it. In one aspect, it showcases Nigeria to world, on the other hand, it connects people from around the world; they come together to know each other’s culture, and that will improve mutual understanding and relationship among countries.
“Here today my country won two awards and we are happy about that. And I think in the future we’ll work together with NCAC to make this event more attractive and beautiful.
“This year’s edition of NCAC Expo is basically very interesting and attractive; more people, more countries participated,” Li said.
China won awards for Best Product Design – Pottery/Ceramics and for beads and ornaments.
Corroborating Li’s submission was Mr Scott, another diplomat from the United States (US) Embassy in Nigeria, who sees the event as a suitable ground for bringing people of diverse cultures across the globe together to identify with each other thereby promoting socio-cultural integration.
He expressed his country’s readiness to support the initiative and to participate in more of the NCAC event in future.
“We would always support this type of event. And we will be looking forward to the next event. We love being here with everyone, and as my colleague from China said earlier, this is the kind of endeavour that brings people together for cultural integration by showcasing food, music, arts and crafts of the various cultures.
“What I see here reflect what we have in America – diversity in culture. As you can see here, certain similarities are seen in the carvings, designs and other cultural displays, showing some commonality between the different countries and between the states. That’s great,” he said.
Highlight of the closing ceremony was the announcement and presentation of award to the overall best exhibitor states, which followed dances from some cultural troupes in the country as well as announcement and presentation of categorised awards to their winners.
Ogun State emerged the overall best exhibitor, followed by Rivers/Taraba, Katsina/Kwara, Ebonyi, Bornu in that order.
