Ogun state, the gateway state, has emerged the overall winner at the just-concluded International Arts and Crafts Expo (INAC).
This was announced during the closing ceremony of the expo late Friday night, as the state bagged awards and prizes for other categories of the exhibition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogun state also placed second for best ornament decorations, first for best exhibitor in e-marketing for creating an online website to market the state’s local fabric, Adire.
The state emerged the best in special day participation, was also first in best designed pavillon and best product design in textile.
Mr Olusegun Olaotan, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture in Ogun, said that the numerous prizes and awards won would spur the state to improve on its crafts.
He appreciated Gov. Dapo Abiodun for funding the ministry well enough to create beautiful arts and crafts.
Lagos state also set a beautiful record as it got the overall third position, bagged first position in best product design in fashion and wood work, best designed interior pavillion and first in most innovative product packaging.
Bayelsa was another state that worked tirelessly to ensure the state’s crafts were well exhibited as it bagged the fifth overall position, first position for ornament decorations, and second in rafia painting.
Katsina state was second overall winner, best exhibitor in networking strategy, first in product design for leather works and second position in textile designs.
The Federal Capital Territory bagged the overall fourth position along with Kebbi state, second in most innovative product packaging, new invention, waste to wealth, and first in product design in pottery work.
Ondo state emerged first in best product design in metal works and in rafia painting while Yobe bagged first position in best product design in rafia calabash decorations.
Kebbi state was second for best exhibitor in e-marketing and first in new invention for waste to wealth.
Nasarawa state was second in product design, rafia calabash decorations, Zamfara state emerged first in product design in embroidery while Jigawa state bagged the second position in product design and leather works.
NAN reports that each state that participated were given certificate of participation.
The theme for the year’s expo was “Networking Nigerian Craft to the World”.
NAN also reports that some documentaries from states and countries were showcased during the expo, to educate the audience.
On display at the 14th INAC were local crafts, cuisine, fashion, documentaries from respective participating states, Federal Capital Territory and other countries.
The expo also featured exhibition of apparels and embroidery; brass and metal designs; captivating music and dance; coral and jewelry designs; classic ceramics; decorative pottery; cultural souvenirs; beads; handmade bronze; came; raffia and wood designs.
The three-day expo ended on Friday night, (NAN)
•PHOTO: Gov. Dapo Abiodun
