Charles Ajunwa
The Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has called for reinforcement of the mutual cultural ties that exist between the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Federal Government of Nigeria, saying it should be explored for the benefits of both countries.
Otunba Runsewe stated this when the High Commissioner for the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, His Excellency, Masudur Rahman, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.
Runsewe noted that Nigeria had benefited a lot from the mutual cultural relationship with Bangladesh in the areas of education, poverty eradication, trade and many more, adding that both countries share similar values and ideals as common members of the United Nations, Non Aligned Movement, D8 Group of Nations and others.
According to Runsewe, it was worthy to note that in March 2016, Bangladesh exited the group of low income countries which Nigeria still belongs to as a member of Least Developed Countries.
At the meeting held at NCAC headquarters in Abuja, Runsewe informed the High Commissioner of the forthcoming programme of NCAC called the International Arts and Crafts Expo (INAC) and seek the participation of Bangladesh in INAC and in other NCAC activities.
He also sought partnership with the Republic of Bangladesh in organising a joint exhibition in Nigeria and in Bangladesh noting that it would be very rewarding to both countries.
The NCAC boss said that he is aware that Bangladesh supplies Nigeria with Jute goods, ceramic, tobacco, cotton materials, bags, carpets, and others which he said helps to boost the Nigerian economy through trade.
On capacity building, Runsewe pledged mutual collaboration in scientific research, energy sector and cooperation in investment promotion, information sharing, poverty alleviation, women empowerment and cultural development.
He told the High Commissioner of the need to collaborate with NCAC on capacity building and cultural exchange, noting that NCAC had a very cordial relationship in these areas with the previous High Commissioner and he would like him to maintain it.
In responding, the High Commissioner for the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, His Excellency, Rahman told Runsewe that he was aware of the cordial relationship that exists between NCAC and Bangladesh and promised to sustain it. Rahman said that he hoped to continue the tradition of exchange of cultural troupes and would soon plan a visit for Nigerian cultural troupes to visit Bangladesh. He added that his country had great support for research and scholarship schemes that Nigerians can explore.
Like his predecessor, Rahman promised to participate in all NCAC programmes including having a whole day to celebrate his country’s 50th Independence anniversary during this year’s INAC 2021.
