How Runsewe is Using Arts and Culture to Change Nigeria’s Image

Vision is a necessary component for excellent leaders. The Director General (DG) of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC),  Olusegun Runsewe, has this component. Due to his continuing work in harmony with this vision, Runsewe is getting outsiders to see Nigerians in a more positive light.

Runsewe’s appearance on the arts and culture scene has led to many productive transformations and outcomes. Since he set his hand on the plough to work, a day has not gone by that Runsewe’s diligence yielded nothing for the country’s image. Given his dedication, Nigeria will soon be perceived as visitors’ delight.

If there is one thing that is consistent with Runsewe, it is the ideal of images and brands. Not long after he became NCAC DG, Runsewe sparked a debate regarding his unchanging choice of traditional garbs. Always preferring ‘natives’ over suits and the like, Runsewe simply explained that he is a Nigerian and Nigerians should promote Nigerian things.

This attitude won Runsewe many rounds of applause back then. But it also flashed the light into the man’s ideology which is closely tied to the progress of Nigeria, which Runsewe believes can be achieved with arts and culture and without losing her identity.

Unsurprisingly, Runsewe has worked with this mandate, drawing attention to Nigeria and letting foreigners see that there is much to marvel at in this nation. Especially with the portrayal of native arts and culture, Runsewe has presented Nigeria in only the most colourful and brilliant colours.

In reality, the DG’s efforts are already bearing fruit. This is evident in the gradually changing themes in Nollywood movies, the global recognition of music artists, and many others.

Given enough time, Runsewe’s diligence will serve as the crucial point for Nigeria’s breakthrough, reaching the heights of other ‘special and unique’ nations on the earth. When that happens, Nigeria will be recognized and celebrated as a cradle of authentic arts and culture.