By Remi Adebayo
The forthcoming 2017 African Arts and Crafts Exhibition has received the blessings of the communications giant, the African Independent Television, a subsidiary of DAAR Group, for the live broadcast of the exhibition scheduled to hold between August 27 – September 17, 2017.
The disclosure was made on Monday when Director-General of the National Council of Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe led management team of the agency on a courtesy visit to DAAR Communications premises in Abuja.
Speaking at the occasion, Runsewe said the visit was aimed at informing the DAAR Group about the upcoming AFAC 2017 where no less than 25 countries and 150 exhibitors are expected to showcase their unique cultural identities.
He gave kudos to the entire DAAR Group for promoting his past activities in previous national service; noting that without media outfits like AIT, maximum publicity would have been difficult for him.
Citing the hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, CHOGM, in 2013 which was a huge success, Runsewe said, as the new culture boss in Nigeria, he remains committed to justifying his appointment by using culture as the only tool to change the narratives of Nigeria.
“This time, we want to depart from having expo without media content, so we need an overwhelming publicity for the event. AIT is the only indigenous station that we can depend on to ensure that the event is a huge success,” he said.
The NCAC boss appealed to the media management on the need to hold a media centre at the venue in Abuja in order to broadcast the event live to the world while soliciting for a mini documentary to project the phases of the expo preparatory to the main event.
He expressed optimism that the efforts assist Nigerians to restore and restate their confidence in, and patronize locally made goods and products.
Responding, Group Managing Director of the DAAR Group, Tony Akiotu eulogized Runsewe, who he disclosed to enjoy decades of robust relationship with for always discharging any assignment given him with dedication, passion and commitment.
He expressed confidence in the ability of Runsewe to take culture to the next level considering his track record of success.
Akiotu promised the AIT’s support for AFAC and that the organization would partner with NCAC to create short documentaries towards promoting the work of the agency which would be a major boost in foreign exports of our local goods and improved economy.
