Cultural diplomacy a veritable tool for international integration -Runsewe
The Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, has hosted an Africa–Nordic delegation comprising Foreign Affairs Ministers from over 27 countries to a sumptuous evening in Abuja.
Runsewe seized the moment to inform the visitors on the need for global integration via the instrumentality of cultural diplomacy towards achieving global peace and harmony.
Welcoming the delegation to the seat of power in Abuja, the NCAC boss noted that Nigeria loves to receive visitors.
He maintained that “we are hospitable people with unique diversity of culture. As a nation, we are proud of our dance, music, food and language because our culture is our pride.”
The DG also dispelled some of the negative perceptions about the country outside by people who he said do not really know Nigeria stating, “as you can see we are a receptive people with high level of humility.
It is my foremost belief that when you get home, what you have seen, like our clement weather and hospitable people, should be passed on for the world to appreciate and visit Nigeria.
“You have seen the true picture of who we are; we are wonderful people and friendly too,” he said and further implored them to enjoy their stay while equally taking the opportunity to invest in the country given the vast potentials and investment opportunities that abound.
The NCAC chief further affirmed that Nigeria’s cultural diversity remains her strongest selling point which his agency was fully committed to exploring by harnessing the unique cultural identities of all states in the federation in order to give foreign guests options as they seek to savour Nigeria’s abundant cultural heritage.
Delivering her vote of thanks on behalf of the august visitors, Director-General for Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Unnur Orratottir, expressed her profound gratitude to the culture helmsman for such a delightful outing. She said, “music has become a marketing tool that brings tourists to a country. From what I have seen the cultural group perform here today, Nigeria has a lot to sell to the world.”
He stressed: “We are not the true ambassadors, the real ambassador are the artists that often showcase the cultural strength of the Nation.” The event was rounded off with presentation of gift items, among which included ipad cover made of our local fabric of adire and decorations to the ambassadors along with the council’s pin crest.
The colorful event was spiced up with a melodious vocal rendition by the council’s cultural group, talking drum and a scintillating Cora music presentation all of which compelled the Cameroonian Minister of External relations, His Excellency, Mr. Lejeune Mbella Mbella to admit, “Nigeria is truly rich in culture in Africa”.
