*Commends Runsewe for unwavering commitment to the preservation, promotion and sustainability to empowering crafts communities in Africa
*“The plaque stands as a testament to the World Crafts Councils’ deep respect for Otunba Olusegun Runsewe’s leadership vision and enduring dedication to cultural heritage”– President of the Council AISBL (International), Sa’ad al-Qaddumi
*BY KENNY ADESOGA/TOURISM & CULTURE Correspondent, Middle East/Naija Standard Newspaper Inc USA
THE relentless hardwork of arts, culture and tourism embarked upon Nigeria’s most respected legend of craft, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe for decades finally received a global affirmation and standing ovation in faraway Kuwait, when the World Crafts Council crowned him ‘The Icon of Crafts, Culture and Hospitality in Africa’, a first feat ever attained by any Nigerian since the country’s independence in 1960.
This award was conferred on Runsewe during the second World Crafts Forum held in the city of Kuwait from February 1st to 3rd, 2026.
In the award letter signed by the President of the Council AISBL (International), Sa’ad al-Qaddumi, the Council commended Runsewe for his “unwavering commitment to the preservation, promotion and sustainability of the handicraft” as well as his commitment to empowering crafts communities in Africa.
The Council noted that Runsewe’s commitment to the development and promotion of arts and handicrafts ” align strongly with the mission and objectives of the World Craft Council.”
The letter further stated that “ln recognition of your remarkable contribution and steadfast commitment to the advancement of crafts, the World Crafts Council is pleased to express its appreciation through the presentation of a commemorative plaque”.
The plaque, according to the award letter, is a formal and symbolic acknowledgement of Runsewe’s “commendable role in promoting icon of craft, culture and hospitality in Africa and globally, as well as well as his invaluable support towards the preservation of handicrafts and the empowerment of crafts communities.”
The plaque stands as a testament to the World Crafts Councils’ deep respect for Runsewe’s leadership vision and enduring dedication to cultural heritage, the letter stated.
It would be recalled that Otunba Olusegun Runsewe is the immediate past Director – General of the National Council For Arts and Culture (NCAC).
The World Craft Forum, (Kuwait 2026) with the theme “Craft ln The Creative Economy” brought together international crafts leaders, artisans, and policy makers to discuss the role of crafts in modern society, focusing on sustainability, heritage and resilience.
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