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The World Crafts Council (WCC) has honoured Nigeria’s former Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, with the prestigious Icon of Crafts, Culture and Hospitality in Africa award, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the growth of arts, culture and the creative industry.
The award was presented to Runsewe at the second World Crafts Forum, held in Kuwait City from February 1 to 3, 2026, where global crafts leaders, artisans and policymakers converged to discuss the role of crafts in the modern creative economy.
In an award letter signed by the President of the World Crafts Council AISBL (International), Sa’ad Al-Qaddumi, the Council commended Runsewe for his “unwavering commitment to the preservation, promotion and sustainability of handicrafts,” as well as his consistent efforts in empowering crafts communities across Africa.
According to the Council, Runsewe’s dedication to the development and promotion of arts and handicrafts aligns strongly with the mission and objectives of the WCC, particularly in advancing cultural heritage and strengthening the creative sector.
The letter further stated that in recognition of his remarkable contributions, the Council presented Runsewe with a commemorative plaque as a formal and symbolic acknowledgement of his role in promoting crafts, culture and hospitality in Africa and globally.
The plaque, the Council said, reflects its deep respect for Runsewe’s leadership, vision and enduring commitment to cultural heritage, as well as his invaluable support for the preservation of handicrafts and the empowerment of artisans.
Runsewe, a leading figure in Nigeria’s cultural sector, served as Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, where he championed policies and initiatives aimed at repositioning the creative industry as a key driver of economic growth.
The 2026 World Crafts Forum, themed “Craft in the Creative Economy,” focused on sustainability, heritage and resilience, highlighting the importance of crafts in contemporary society and their role in fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
