FG To Replicate Arts, Culture Villages In 36 States

• Plans to replicate Abuja Arts and Crafts Village in 36 Nigerian states to combat unemployment and boost the economy
• The initiative aims to generate funds, promote cultural diversity, and encourage local artisans to open shops at affordable rates

Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), has stated that plans are underway to replicate the Abuja Arts and Crafts Village in 36 federation states to combat unemployment and boost the nation’s economy.

Speaking on Saturday in Abuja during a tour of the National Arts and Culture Village with diplomats and state delegates at the 2023 International Arts and Crafts Expo (INAC), he said it would also generate funds for the state and serve as a platform to promote the culture of the state’s various tribes.

According to Runsewe, the arts and culture sector has the potential to save the economy.

He stated that countries such as Dubai, UAE, have very appealing cultural spots where they display and exhibit various arts, cultures, and crafts of their various cultures. Thus, “it has become a tourist’ site where people from all over the world visit and generate funds from the place.”

Runsewe stated that a shop at the National Arts and Culture Village would cost N200,000, adding that the low price was intended to encourage people to open shops to promote their locally made goods, attracting visitors.

He urged diplomats to visit village shops to promote their arts and culture.

Zulum Urges FG, Governors To Address Flood Situation On Farmers’ Behalf

Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, chairman of the North-East Governors Forum, has urged the Federal Government and his counterparts to address this year’s flood situation based on reports from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET).

The weather service had predicted that certain states would experience days of rain, which would be unfavourable for farmers. Zulum commented on the situation, stating that the current erratic rainfall would impact farming in the region.

Zulum made the remarks during the 8th meeting of the governor’s forum, held on Saturday at the Government House in Maiduguri. He said the meeting aimed to solve insecurity, agriculture, and other issues affecting the region.

He claimed that last year’s devastating floods had harmed seasonal farming and damaged a large portion of the sub-region’s road infrastructure.