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After over two weeks of exquisite showcase ,demonstration and exhibition of the best of African arts and crafts and from the world over, the 4th African Arts and Craft Expo was officially ended on Tuesday, the 31st of May,2011.The closing ceremony was graced by many of the dignitaries who were present at the opening ceremony among whom were the representative of the Perm Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Mrs Sola Olumeko, standing in for Alh. Ibrahim Mahe, NCAC Governing Board Chairman, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, Heads of Sister Parastatal in the Ministry, States Directors of Culture and members of the diplomatic corps.
In his speech at the closing ceremony, the Executive Director/CEO National Council for Arts and Culture, M. M. Maidugu, congratulated Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, the Vice President, Architect Namadi Sambo, the State Governors and all Nigerians for the successful inauguration ceremonies .He went on to state that the 2011 edition of AFAC had 11 countries, many States and Local Government Areas including over 150 NGOs in attendance. He further stated that this, coupled with the impressive number of daily visitors to the Expo, the standard and quality of products that were showcased, as well as the interest generated at the investment forum, attested to the fact that AFAC 2011 with the theme Promoting the Crafts Industry for Economic Transformation was a huge success.
The Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, the Permanent Secretary of The Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Alh Ibrahim Mahe noted that AFAC 2011 has “been a 15-day event of opening up new vistas and exploring opportunities aimed at growing the frontiers and market potentials of the craft industry.” He called on participants at the Expo to continue to share the experiences, ideas, skills and knowledge shared at the fiesta such that the valuable lessons gained would contribute in repositioning and transforming the industry into a viable and prosperous one. He affirmed that the success of AFAC 2011 “has reassured our confidence that the sector has a great prospect that when appropriately developed could contribute significantly towards our drive to diversify our sources of economy, generate employment opportunities as well as empower our youths towards constructive and productive ventures.”He went ahead to declare the Expo closed after a befitting and all inclusive vote of thanks was said by the Chairman of the NCAC Governing Board, Chief Ebenezer Babatope.
Earlier on, various categories of awards were presented to exemplary exhibitors and participants of the Expo to showcase distinction and reward excellence in the areas of arts and crafts featured prominently at the Expo. Many of the participants went home with smiles of a successful outing playing around their lips. |
Representative of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture & National Orientation, Mrs Sola Olumeko Delivering the Speech at
AFAC 2011.
Mr. M.M. Maidugu ED/CEO National Council for Arts & Culture (NCAC) Delivering His Speech.
Cross-Section of Guests at the
AFAC 2011 Closing Ceremony.
NCAC Board Chairman Presenting an Award at AFAC 2011
Representative of the Permanent Secertary Presenting an Award
ED/CEO NCAC Presenting an Award
Dignitaries in a Snapshot with Awardees
SWANGE Dance at the Closing Ceremony of AFAC 2011. |
