Ogun has emerged as the top exhibitor 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.
Ogun has maintained the first 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 bronze works and the most enterprising exhibitor.
Lagos came second, while Katsina, Bauchi and the Federal Capital Territory came third.
Olusegun Olaotan, permanent secretary of the Ogun Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said: “Today is the happiest day of my life. It’s something we’ve dreamed of. Our governor gave us the mandate to come out on top like last year. We worked for it. We were waiting for it and it has arrived.”
He added, “We are very happy as a people, government and citizens of Nigeria. This shows that the Ogun government is making a significant impact in the development of arts and crafts, not only locally but internationally.
China, Burkina Faso and Katsina won the best trade pavilion awards. The best product design awards in textiles and fashion went to India, Mali, Ogun and Lagos. Ogun, Anambra and Kogi won best in metal works.
Venezuela, Akwa Ibom and Lagos won the best product design in woodwork, and Bauchi state took 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 and 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 and loss of wealth, Lebanon and South Korea emerged winners, while China, the Federal Capital Territory and Lubcon Limited won the 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 limit won.
(IN)
