Otunba Olusegun Runsewe presenting farewell card to HE Mohammad Abo Serriah, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Syria as he ends his mission in Nigeria

The Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe hosted the outgoing Ambassador of Syria, His Excellency, Mohammed Abo Serriah to a Dinner and Cultural Night in Abuja.
Over ten other Ambassadors and High Commissioners were present at the Send-Forth Ceremony, which held on Thursday the 29th of June, 2021 at the Ceddi Plaza, Abuja. They include, His Excellency, Mohammed Alibak, the Ambassador of theIslamic Republic of Iran; His Excellency, Ihad Awad, the Ambassador of Arab Republic of Egypt; His Excellency, Ahmed El Kachach, Head of Mission/Charge d’affairs, Embassy of the State of Palestine; His Excellency, Houssan Diab, the Ambassador of the Republic of Lebanon; His Excellency, David Valasquez, the Ambassador of Venezuela; His Excellency, Clara M. Pulido Escandell, the Ambassador of Cuba; His Excellency, Omer Effaroug M. Elsanosy Abdelkareem, the Charge d’affairs, Embassy of the Republic of Sudan.

L – R: H. E. Mohammad Abo Serriah, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Syria Abuja, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director General NCAC & President, World Craft Council (AR) and H. E. David Valasquez, the Ambassador of Venezuela.

The event is one among the series of events, which the Director General has organized to acknowledge out-going Ambassadors and High Commissioners as a mark of honour and appreciation for the cordial, mutual relationship- that exists between the Council and Embassies/High Commissions in Nigeria.
In this specific instance, the out-going Syrian Ambassador was a friend of the Council and fully participated in most of the Council’s events, including the International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo. Through the platform of the INAC Expo, Syria exhibited the best of their Arts and Crafts heritage, winning many glorious laurels and awards. The Council has also co-hosted the Painting Exhibition and Cultural Dance Performance from Syria.
The Director General, in his remarks did not hide his deep affection for the patriotism and admiration His Excellency, the out-going Ambassador of Syria, has for his Country, as well as his love for the National Council for Arts and Culture and its activities. In the DG’s words, he said “His Excellency deserved to be celebrated for his immeasurable support we enjoyed during his stay in Nigeria”. He hinted on his plan to produce a Photo Album of the Dinner and Cultural Send-Forth for Ambassadors, which will be deposited at their respective Countries.
One of the high points of the event was a Goodwill Message delivered by the Ambassador’s friends, beginning with the High Commissioner of Cuba. She commended the Council for lighting up the Cultural Landscape of Abuja and Nigeria through their well-organized events; notable among which are the International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo and the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST). Her Goodwill Message was followed by those of Lebanon, Iran and Venezuela. They extolled the visibility that Council has brought to their Countries through the several engagements.
In his response, the Ambassador thanked the DG for being in deed a good Ambassador of Nigeria himself. Throughout his stay in Nigeria, he did his best to be a good representative of his Country. He further thanked the DG for giving him the platform to showcase his Country in Nigeria. He said he was delighted to be honoured in such a way and that he would be leaving this Country with a lot of peace and sense of fulfillment. Nigeria, he said, “is crystalized in his heart”. He said that every Ambassador knows the ethics of their profession; they have a specified number of years to stay in each Country. He is inviting Nigeria to come to Damascus to exhibit her rich culture and fly the Nigerian Flag in the various exhibitions and EXPOs.He ended by presenting the Syrian FLAG to the Director General, which to him was the greatest honour from any Syrian.
The event rounded off with presentation of Cultural Souvenir, cutting of cake and group photographs.

L – R: H. E. David Valasquez, the Ambassador of Venezuela, H. E. Ahmed El – Kachach Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Palestine, H. E. Houssam Diab, the Ambassador of Lebanon, Director General NCAC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, H. E. Mohammad Abo Serriah, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Syria Abuja, H. E. Clara Magrita Paulido Escandell, the Ambassador of Cuba, H.E Mohammad Alibak, the Ambassador of Iran, H.E Omer Elfaroug M. Elsanosy Abdelkareem, Charge d’Affaires a. i. Embassy of Sudan, Mr. Sadeq Sadeequi Cultural Counselor Embassy of Iran and Mr. Adeeb Al Bodi, Administrative and Financial Attache, Embassy of Syria Abuja.

The event rounded off with presentation of Cultural Souvenir, cutting of cake and group photographs.