According to him, the friendship club is to strengthen the cultural and bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Runsewe disclosed this  in a statement on Tuesday, when he played host to a delegation from the Gambian Radio and Television Services, who were in his office as part of their working visit to Nigeria.

He thanked the team for their visit to the council, adding that he had tremendous respect for the people of Gambia for their unwavering efforts in sustaining their good cultural heritage.

According to Runsewe, the good relationship between Nigeria and Gambia was visible when both countries collaborated effectively during their participation in some International Tourism events when he headed the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).

He said the Gambian Embassy was the first to pay him a courtesy visit when he assumed duty as the Director-General of NCAC.

“The best way to promote any nation is through its brand identity, if Gambia develops a strong brand identity, it will be easy to market the brand,” he said.

Earlier in his address, the Director-General, Gambian Radio and Television Services, Mr Malik Gyang, said they were on a working visit to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) with a view to exploring areas of mutual partnership, experience sharing and networking.

Gyang noted that given Runsewe’s good track record, who had positively projected the image of Nigeria home and abroad within the Culture and Tourism space, the delegation was moved to visit him and seek possible areas of collaboration to move the arts and tourism sectors forward.

He said that both countries needed to work assiduously in transforming their rich and diverse cultural heritage into a viable economy to complement the gains from oil as both countries share similarities in many ways.

Runsewe presented cultural gifts to all the members of the delegation.