Ado Salisu
The World Crafts Council (WCC) has honoured Otunba Olusegun Runsewe with the Icon of Crafts, Culture and Hospitality in Africa Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development of arts and culture across the continent.
The award was presented at the second World Crafts Forum, held in Kuwait from February 1 to February 3, 2026.
In an award letter, the Council described Runsewe as a passionate advocate for the preservation, promotion and sustainability of African handicrafts, noting his consistent efforts to elevate craft communities and cultural heritage.
The letter, signed by the President of the World Crafts Council, Sa’ad al-Qaddumi, commended Runsewe’s leadership and vision, particularly his role in empowering artisans and advancing Africa’s creative industries on the global stage.
According to the Council, Runsewe’s work aligns strongly with its mission of promoting arts, crafts and creative industries worldwide. It added that the commemorative plaque symbolises appreciation for his enduring commitment to cultural preservation and hospitality development in Africa.
Runsewe is the immediate past Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), where he championed several initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s cultural and creative sector.
The World Crafts Forum, themed “Craft in the Creative Economy,” brought together global leaders, policymakers and creatives to deliberate on sustainability, heritage preservation and resilience in contemporary craft practice.
