In a bid to ensure that the creative, craft and tourism industry in Nigeria does not continue to suffer from the COVID-19 pandemic, The National Council for Arts and Culture, NCAC at the weekend held a drive- in artistic experience at the open grounds of Sheraton Hotels, Abuja.
The event, which was held amidst very tight security, social distancing and compulsory face mask protocols, ushered in selected car owners strategically connected to a special program frequency for sound, dedicated pavilions, and over 40 visitors’ convenience.
According to the Director-General of NCAC, Otunba Segun Runsewe, while expressing his happiness at the encouraging turnout of Nigerians and culture enthusiasts who graced the occasion, he posited that Nigeria had once again made statement that life has returned to normal in the country post-COVID 19.
He further stated that the drive-in open-theater was geared towards perfecting modalities for the upcoming National Festival of Arts and Culture {NAFEST} slated for Jos in October.
“We are a big country and we shall continue to prepare and not relax. COVID 19 may have impacted on the cultural tourism businesses worldwide but in Nigeria, we are back on the beat, we are going to overcome challenges and put the right foot forward. A country with 36 states and a Federal Capital, ready to come together in a cultural show of force slated for Jos in October, cannot take anything for granted” he explained.
The well illuminated and decorated open theatre stand was centralized and visible from all directions and angles, with the thespians observing the approved precautionary protocols. The event was beamed live on NCAC zoom, Instagram, Facebook, and other social media page accounts.
The event also witnessed digital interaction from over 18 countries, with ambassadors of Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, India, Pakistan, and China in attendance.
As a result of the success of the event, Runsewe expressed optimism that the template for Nigeria’s come back to life post-COVID 19 has been set.
Reacting to the event, Igbade Ihama, Chairman, House Committee on Culture congratulated Runsewe on the frontal drive-in effort, noting that NCAC has more than justified its corporate relevance and contributions to the advancement of Nigerian cultural tourism beyond COVID 19.
“Runsewe once again has shown capacity. He was not waiting to be told what to do but has shown everyone how to rise above the fears of the pandemic. He is futuristic and proactive, no doubt NAFEST 2020 in Jos is a reality. The National Assembly, The House Committee On Culture in particular, is proud to be associated with this outing and with Runsewe NCAC, Ihama noted.
