(IN)
Ogun, popularly known as the “gateway state” has emerged as the best exhibitors at the just concluded International Arts and Crafts Exhibition (INAC).
This was disclosed during the closing ceremony of the exhibition held in Abuja on Saturday, themed “Networking Nigerian Crafts to the World”.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ogun has retained the top position for two consecutive years, in 2021 and now 2022.
The state was also adjudged the best in pavilion design, product design in textiles and fashion; metal and brass work and the most enterprising exhibitor.
Lagos State took second place, while Katsina, Bauchi and the Federal Capital Territory took third place.
Mr. Olusegun Olaotan, the Permanent Secretary of the Ogun Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture expressed elation over the victory.
Olaotan said the state would work harder to maintain the position in the coming years.
“Today is the happiest day of my life, it’s something we’ve dreamed of, our governor gave us a mandate to be in the clinch position like last year.
“We worked for it, we waited for it and it came, we are very happy as a people, government and citizens of Nigeria.
“This shows that the Ogun government is making a meaningful impact in the development of arts and crafts, not only locally but internationally,” he said.
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NAN reports that China, Burkina Faso and Katsina State bagged the best trade pavilion awards.
The best product design awards in textiles and fashion went to India, Mali, Ogun and Lagos, while Ogun, Anambra and Kogi bagged the best in metalwork.
Venezuela, Akwa Ibom and Lagos states won the best product design in woodwork and Bauchi state got the best in gourd design.
The award for best product design in ceramics and ceramics went to Iran, Bulgaria and the Federal Capital Territory, while Bauchi and Akwa Ibom won best in raffia works.
Malaysia, Cuba as well as Trinidad and Tobago received the best product design in gastronomy.
For the best product design in ornaments, beads and jewelery designs, Sudan, Republic of Benin and Lagos emerged winners.
Handmade Genius Limited won the best exhibiting non-governmental organization.
For the best product design awards in new innovation, waste to wealth, Lebanon and South Korea emerged winners, while China, the Federal Capital Territory and Lubcon Limited won most attractive packaging.
Tanzania, Spain and Syria won the best exhibitors in e-marketing and for the best exhibitors in networking strategy, the Philippines, Bangladesh and Lubcon limited won.
