6 states, 9 countries open AFAC 2015

The 40th edition of the African Arts and Crafts expo (AFAC) opened on Thursday with six states, Gombe, Katsina, Niger, Taraba, Sokoto and Akwa Ibom, and nine countries including Taiwan, Chad, Ghana, Senegal, Mali and Botswana, as well as individual and corporate businesses, in attendance. The cultural fair organised by the National Council for Arts […]

The 40th edition of the African Arts and Crafts expo (AFAC) opened on Thursday with six states, Gombe, Katsina, Niger, Taraba, Sokoto and Akwa Ibom, and nine countries including Taiwan, Chad, Ghana, Senegal, Mali and Botswana, as well as individual and corporate businesses, in attendance.
The cultural fair organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), took place at the Arts and Crafts Village, Abuja. It brought together members of the diplomatic corps amongst other culture enthusiasts.
The event which began with cultural performances from Taraba and Katsina states, also featured a variety of craft, art and historic works colourfully displayed in the stands.
Participants displayed items from incenses, perfumes, clothing to jewellery, housewares and technology gadgets amongst others.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Mrs Nkechi Ejele who declared the event open advised that its potentials be harnessed towards arresting youth restiveness, rural-urban drift as well as reduce poverty.
Nigeria’s 170 million population, according to Ejele, is indication that the country is a fertile market for any quality product.
NCAC boss, Mrs Dayo Keshi remarked that the theme, ‘Stimulating the Economic Growth Potential of the Culture Industries,’ was a reflection of the council’s proactive programme geared towards contributing to the efforts of the administration in its quest to look inward towards developing Nigeria’s non-oil sector.
She said: “The event which is planned to be on for two weeks, will in addition to showcasing the best of the African crafts industry, have a one-day round table forum with the topic, ‘Economic importance of Nigeria’s cultural industries’ and a keynote address, ‘Showcasing the inevitable role of culture in national development and economic diversification’ to be delivered by Prof. Pat Utomi.
To reward excellence, the programme will end on September 15 with awards for the best product design, innovative and enterprising exhibitor(s) for both individual and country.
New attractions this year include a food court, make up parlour featuring contemporary and indigenous designers who were thoroughly engaged. 
Kano-based Hussein Auta who is a first time  participant at the fair was pleased that he made it. “Even before I finished displaying my things, I was selling already and have sold some more since then,” he said.
Other early sellers were dealers in ‘Senegalese’ outfits who said they had dedicated clients who bulk purchased from them as soon as they arrive at the expo.
Prospective buyers were however eager to see more and targeted the coming days to do their shopping.
The expo marks the beginning of celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the Council and will include other attractions like schools syllabus production, children cultural fiesta international cultural variety nite and a special NCAC at 40 news edition.