Ogun, known as the ‘Gateway State’ has emerged as the best exhibitors at the just-concluded International Arts and Crafts Expo, INAC.
The feat was announced during the closing ceremony of the expo held in Abuja on Saturday, with the theme “Networking Nigerian Crafts to the World”.
Ogun has maintained the first position in two consecutive years, in 2021 and now 2022.
The state was also rated the best in pavilion design, products design in textiles and fashion; metal and brass works and the most enterprising exhibitor.
Lagos State got the second position while Katsina, Bauchi and the Federal Capital Territory got the third position.
Mr Olusegun Olaotan, Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture expressed excitement over the victory.
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Olaotan said that the state would be working harder to maintain the position in subsequent years.
“Today is the happiest day of my life, it is something that we dreamt of, our governor gave us a mandate to clinch the position like last year.
“We worked for it, we were expecting it and it has come, we are very happy as a people, government and citizens of Nigeria.
“This shows that the government of Ogun is making meaningful impact in arts and craft development, not only locally, but internationally,” he said.
China, Burkina Faso and Katsina State got the best merchandising pavilion awards.
The best product design awards in textile and fashion went to India, Mali, Ogun and Lagos states, while Ogun, Anambra and Kogi got the best in metal works.
Venezuela, Akwa Ibom and Lagos states won the best product design in wood works and Bauchi State got the best in calabash design.
The best product design in pottery and ceramics awards went to Iran, Bulgaria and the Federal Capital Territory, while Bauchi and Akwa Ibom won the best in raffia works.
Malaysia, Cuba as well as Trinidad and Tobago got the best product design in gastronomy.
For the best product design in ornaments, beads and jewelry designs, Sudan, Republic of Benin and Lagos emerged winners.
Handmade Genius Limited won the best exhibiting non-governmental organisation.
For the best product design awards in new innovation, waste to wealth, Lebanon and South Korea emerged winners, while China, Federal Capital Territory and Lubcon Limited won most attractive packaging.
Tanzania, Spain and Syria won best exhibitors in e-marketing and for the best exhibitors in networking strategy, Philippines, Bangladesh and Lubcon Limited won.
Source: NAN
