The Akwa Ibom State Contingent to the just concluded 2015 African Arts and Crafts Expo (AFAC) has emerged the overall winner in the highly competitive exhibition which attracted exhibitors from States from across the country and beyond. This year’s event coincided with the 40th Anniversary of the National Council for Arts and Culture as an establishment. Held under the theme, “Stimulating Economic Growth Potentials of the Nigerian Culture Industry”, the Arts and Craft Expo which lasted for about three weeks created a platform for participating States and Countries to showcase their various arts, crafts and cultural potentials to woo investors and tourists alike.
To emerge as the overall winner, Akwa Ibom which was represented by the State Council for Arts and Culture took first positions in Metal Product Design, Raffia Product and Craft, and was adjudged the contingent with the best designed pavilion.
Speaking at the event, leader of the State’s Contingent and Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Otuekong Emmanuel Ibiok attributed the State’s success to God and the benevolence of the State Governor Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, whose kindness in approving the Ministry’s request ensured the State’s participation at the Exhibition.
The Commissioner noted that the contingent made the State proud as AkwaIbom stand with its array of eye-catching and aesthetic metal work designs, cane chairs, shoes and caps to match, lawyer’s wig and gowns, paintings and beaded works, among others, left tourists and visitors to the pavilion spell-bound.
The wife of the Vice-President, Mrs. Oludolapo Osinbanjo who was led by the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Mrs. Dayo Keshi and other officials to the Akwa Ibom pavilion commended the creative ingenuity of the State’s contingent and particularly showed interest in a metal design drummer piece.
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mr. Mike Omeri who also visited the State’s pavilion was full of praises for the high profile arts and crafts items on display.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Otuekong Emmanuel Ibiok says soon, the Ministry shall formally present the prizes won at the exhibition to the State Governor.
No comments:
Post a Comment