Arts and crafts enthusiasts patronising exhibition stands at the ongoing 2017 African Arts and Crafts Expo in Abuja
Expo participants calls for promotion of African arts, crafts
NAN-ELS-1
Expo
By Maureen Okon
Abuja, Sept. 12, 2017 (NAN) Some participants at the 2017 African Arts and Crafts Expo (AFAC), on Tuesday said that the promotion of locally made arts and crafts would boost the tourism sector across the continent.
Lydia Amponsa, from Ghana told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), at the ongoing Arts and Craft Village Abuja, said the expo was a platform to promote indigenous crafts.
”I came with Ghana beads and costumes, handmade slippers and others for the expo.
”I started coming for this event seven years ago at Area 10 to showcase our popular `Kente’ material similar to the Nigerian `Aso Kente,’ Ghana beads and costumes and Handmade slippers.
“I am optimistic that this exposure will put me on the international map and help the growth of my brand, ‘’ he said.
Similarly, Jibril Ali-Mohammed from the Republic of Chad, said that AFAC was an avenue for arts and crafts enthusiast to showcase their crafts to the world.
” We come here every year for the expo, and it is pleasing to have a platform that is created for artisans to showcase their craftsmanship.
” We are here with our traditional Spa treatment for would-be brides commonly used in Chad to Africa.
” We have different kind of incenses with special aroma for different occasion.
Also, Lekeya Foletia, a Cameroon who expressed optimism on the impact of the expo, said patronage has been very impressive.
“People love our locally carved chairs, handmade skin flip-flops and sandals.
” Our arts and crafts are indigenous to us; you can call it our trade mark; you cannot see them anywhere else.
“That is why they attract art enthusiast from other parts of the world.
”We have indigenous arts works that are made by native women from the southern part of Cameroon which cannot be seen in shops except in expos and trade fair such as this.
” We have the elephant tusk chair made by the Bamilake people from the Western region of Cameroon and reserved for the Chief in the domain.”
NAN reports that the Expo, organised by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) with the theme ‘Nigerian Crafts: The Untapped Treasure’, is geared towards harnessing and developing arts and crafts and other creative industries in the country.
Segun Runsewe, director-general, NCAC, said that the expo is a unique opportunity for artists, craft dealers, manufacturers and other stakeholders to buy and sell their brands.
According to him, the expo plays a key role toward job creation and economic empowerment. (NAN)
ETIM/EAL/EAL
===========
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi