29 countries, 16 states, and 20 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) converge in Abuja for the 2023 INAC.

So far, 29 countries, 16 states, and approximately 20 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have reserved rooms at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel (previously Abuja Sheraton Hotel) for the 2023 annual International Arts & Crafts Expo, INAC, which began today, Thursday, September 7, 2023.

Otunba Segun Runsewe, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the brains behind INAC, told arts and culture journalists at the expo’s Abuja venue that INAC is a platform created to connect Nigerian arts and crafts culture to the rest of the globe. “It’s a one-of-a-kind and deliberate platform for promoting Nigerian arts and crafts to the rest of the world, and it gets bigger and better every year.” So far this year, we have 29 countries, 16 states, and 21 non-governmental organisations.”

The D-G emphasised the importance of INAC, adding that “over 50 Nigerians have travelled to more than ten countries through this (INAC) network.” For example, India brought a performing arts group to New Delhi last year and paid for their tickets, accommodations, and so on. There is no magic, as you can see. You must have the proper platform to network with people from all around the world.”

Otunba Runsewe also emphasised INAC’s unifying function: “For me, this sector is critical to uniting our country, and we must continue to bring Nigeria together.” This is a hidden treasure that most African countries have yet to discover.”

The D-G emphasised INAC’s ability to attract foreign investors. “You see, the worldwide community is the world’s largest informant. When they see what we have here, they realise that Nigeria is an excellent place to invest.”

The three-day International Arts & Crafts Expo will resume tomorrow, Friday, September 8, and will conclude on Saturday, September 9, 2023.