By Osa Mbonu-Amadi
The Director-General, National Council for Arts & Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, has commended the People’s Republic of China
for imputing Arts, Culture and other artistic expressions as essential components in all their programmes. Runsewe gave the commendation on Friday, September 9, 2022 while delivering a goodwill message as a special guest of honour during the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival & National Day celebration which held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.
Runsewe, who is also President, World Crafts Council (Africa Region) and Chairman, African-China Culture and Arts Exchange Society, specifically pointed out the many cultural exchanges such as the exploits of the Huaxing Arts Troupe in spreading the beauty and magnificence of Chinese Cultural Performances to Nigerian citizens through school walk-ins among others. “It is interesting how through these programmes and activities Nigerian Troupes have learnt Chinese cultural
dance and music expressions and vice-versa,” Runsewe said.
He also expressed the willingness of NCAC to be involved in frontline partnership with the China Industrial and Commercial Association towards expanding the scope of those events to Abuja. This, Runsewe said, will promote synergies and grassroot participation, especially in the area of training, capacity building, infrastructural development, grants and exchanges. “I assure you of the commitment of the NCAC towards serving as a catalyst for consolidating and sustaining China-Nigeria bilateral business, cultural and diplomatic relations for many more years to come.”
Earlier in his speech, Otunba Runsewe expressed his pleasure to celebrate with the People’s Republic of China on the annual commemoration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival & National Day Celebration. He also thanked them for the honour extended to him as the Guest of Honour of the event.
“This gesture is indicative of the harmonious Relationship between the National Council for Arts and Culture and the Chinese Diplomatic, Business and Cultural Community in Nigeria, which has continued to flourish under my leadership as Director General of the NCAC, President, World Crafts Council, African Region as well as Chairman, African-China Culture and Arts Exchange Society.
“The NCAC and the Chinese community,” Runsewe continued, “have been hosted and played host to each other in numerous activities, functions and engagements. These include the Pre-INAC Diplomatic Dinners, 50th Anniversary Celebration of Establishing Bilateral Diplomatic Relationship between Nigeria and China, 100 Years Celebration of the Communist Party of China (CPC) among others. Just few weeks ago, the People’s Republic of China actively participated at the 15th edition of the International Arts and Crafts Expo (INAC) 2022 held at Sheraton Hotel and Towers along 25 other countries and over 20 states of the federation, FCT and numerous Arts and Crafts vendors.
“Beyond the immediate, I wish to reaffirm the excellent relationship between the two nations which is not a mere coincidence but one that is designed by nature for the countries to realize their fullness. Our historical similarities are in the areas of population size and strength, Culture, Food (Cuisine), ethnic diversities and nationalities and above all, nations blessed with resourceful people and our status as emerging political and economic powers in our respective continents. Undoubtedly, the two (2) nations have been able to harness these factors to foster mutually beneficial relationship in many facets of life.
“May I also use this medium to recognize the contributions of the entire Chinese Community, specifically the efforts of the China Industrial and Commercial Association for your worthy Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, aimed at giving back to the community in forms of grants, scholarships, donations, etc. These interventions are indeed laudable and commendable.
“Countless Nigerians that have been positively impacted by these interventions remain ever grateful to China….
“Finally, I wish to heartily felicitate with His Excellency, the Ambassador, People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Consul-General, China Industrial and Commercial Association and the entire Chinese community in Nigeria as you commemorate this auspicious event.”
Also speaking at the event, the Ambassador of people’s Republic of China to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, stressed that “peace and harmony are key to development.”
Other dignitaries who attended the event are Chief Mrs Bola Obasanjo, wife of former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who represented the ex-president; Chief Henry Ikechukwu lkoh, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation; Chief Mrs Nike Davies-Okundaye, founder, Nike Art Gallery; Brigadier General MA Sadiq, Commander, 81 Division Garrison; Chief Matthew Uwaekwe
Coordinator, Nigeria China Business Council, and others.
