The National Council for Arts and Culture and the Republic of Turkey are advancing plans to launch cultural programs aimed at fostering socio-cultural and economic development in both nations.
This initiative seeks to enrich cultural activities in Nigeria and Turkey, enhancing citizens’ cultural awareness and improving their quality of life.
The Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, received the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, Hidayet Bayraktar, at the Nigeria Culture House, where they discussed collaborative efforts to open new social and economic horizons through art and crafts.
During the meeting, Ambassador Bayraktar, accompanied by Musa Erbas of the Turkish Yunus Emre (YETKM) Institute in Nigeria, expressed delight in collaborating with the National Council for Arts and Culture.
He shared plans for cultural programs in 2024, including youth cultural exchange programs and sports competitions like archery among Nigerian secondary school pupils.
The envoy also highlighted the embassy’s intention to showcase Turkish cultural heritage on the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and World Women’s Day, seeking collaboration with NCAC to bring these cultural ideas to fruition.
Director General Runsewe thanked the Turkish delegation, seeing their visit as an opportunity to deepen cultural development between NCAC and Turkey.
He affirmed the Council’s commitment to collaborating in various cultural development areas, emphasizing the potential for cultural investment to stimulate economic growth and sustainable development.
Runsewe, also the president of the World Crafts Council for the African Region, pledged the Council’s support in branding and promoting the cultural programs jointly presented by NCAC and the Republic of Turkey.
