The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has emphasized the importance of celebrating Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage as a means of strengthening national identity.
Obi Asika, Director-General of NCAC, made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday. His remarks came as the council prepared to mark its 50th anniversary.
Asika highlighted the role of culture in fostering creativity and uniting Nigerians despite their diversity.
“Since its inception, the council has played a crucial role in promoting arts, crafts, literature, film, television, music, dance, fashion, cuisine, sports, visual arts, and cultural festivals that define Nigeria’s identity,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s cultural evolution over the past five decades, Asika noted that the country’s creative sector has grown into a global force. He traced the journey from highlife music and folk storytelling to the worldwide dominance of Afrobeats, Nollywood, fashion, and dance.
He described the anniversary as an opportunity to celebrate the country’s artistic achievements, cultural resilience, and creative potential.
“This milestone is not just about the council; it is about honouring the countless individuals, traditional rulers, artists, filmmakers, writers, designers, comedians, dancers, and cultural custodians who have shaped and sustained Nigeria’s creative ecosystem,” he added.
As part of the celebrations, NCAC plans to recognize key figures who have contributed significantly to advancing Nigeria’s cultural heritage. Among them are Frank Aig-Imoukhuede, credited with laying the foundation for the council’s establishment, and Dr. Sule Bello, who expanded its role in cultural diplomacy. Others include Emma Arinze, who strengthened NCAC’s engagement with the creative economy, and Dayo Keshi, who championed Nigeria’s cultural exports on the global stage.
Asika also acknowledged Otunba Olusegun Runsewe’s leadership in steering the council through a transformative period, as well as his own commitment to repositioning Nigerian culture for national development.
Commending President Bola Tinubu’s decision to create the Ministry of Arts and Culture, Asika described the move as a significant step in promoting Nigeria’s cultural growth.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to President Tinubu for his commitment to the cultural and creative industries, which reflects the power of our heritage and the potential of our creative economy,” he said.
He also appreciated the Minister of Arts and Culture, Hannatu Musawa, for her unwavering support in shaping policies and programs that drive Nigeria’s creative industries.
“As we celebrate 50 years of NCAC, we recognize that culture is our power. It is the foundation of our past, the strength of our present, and the vision of our future as a nation,” Asika added.
The NCAC was established in 1975 through Decree No. 3, with the mandate to preserve, promote, and advance Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
(NAN)
