Craft expo is catalyst to economic development – Tourism Minister

[MrVan]

By CALEB AYANSINA

MINISTER of Tourism,Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, says there are abundant potentials in the cultural industries for youth empowerment and wealth creation in which Nigeria and the rest of Africa have comparative advantage.

Duke noted that African Arts and Crafts Expo (AFAC) could be a catalyst that will not only drive the economic diversification efforts of the present administration, but also fast track the growth of our national economy, when properly developed.

The minister, who stated this at a press briefing on the 5th African Arts and Crafts Expo (AFAC) with the theme: Promoting Crafts Industry For Economic Transformation' in Abuja, urged both local and foreign investors to avail themselves of the opportunities the craft industry presents through the Expo, which will be attended by fourteen countries across the world.

"As through such initiative from the National Council for Arts and Culture much of our untapped cultural resources of our country which are critical and fundamental elements of growth can be brought to the fore in our inward looking strategy for sustainable economic growth and rural transformation,"he said.

"The 5th edition of AFAC therefore is intended to build upon the successes of the previous ones towards coming up with an exhibition better showcase elements of good product design, finishing, packaging and presentation aimed at global market standard."

The Executive Secretary of National Council for Arts and Culture, NCAC, Alh. Mwajim Maidugu, called on artisans to improve on their handworks up to the global standard, noting that, there is always a packaging problem with Nigeria artifacts.

Vanguard Nigeria