Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has been honoured with the Icon of Crafts, Culture and Hospitality in Africa award by the World Crafts Council in recognition of his contributions to the development of arts and culture on the continent.
The award was presented at the second World Crafts Forum held in Kuwait from Feb. 1 to Feb. 3, where global stakeholders gathered to examine the future of craft in a rapidly evolving creative economy.
In an award letter, the council praised Runsewe’s unwavering commitment to preserving, promoting, and sustaining handicrafts across Africa. The letter, signed by the council’s president, Sa’ad al-Qaddumi, also commended his efforts in empowering craft communities and advancing cultural heritage.
According to the council, Runsewe’s work aligns strongly with its mission to promote arts, crafts, and creative industries globally. It added that the commemorative plaque symbolised appreciation for his leadership, vision, and enduring dedication to cultural preservation.
Runsewe is the immediate past Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), where he played a prominent role in promoting Nigeria’s cultural assets and strengthening the visibility of African crafts on the international stage.
The World Crafts Forum, themed “Craft in the Creative Economy,” brought together global leaders and practitioners to discuss sustainability, heritage, and resilience in modern craft practice, highlighting the growing importance of traditional crafts within the global creative sector.
