NCAC Partners with China to Train 3700 Nigerian Youths
NCAC Partners with China to Train 3700 Nigerian Youths
By Jerry Adesewo
The Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, announced a groundbreaking initiative during the opening ceremony of the 1st National Stakeholders Review Conference on the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), held at the Chida Events Centre on Wednesday, December 6.
He revealed plans for a collaboration with the Chinese government to train 3700 Nigerian youths in China, starting in the coming year.
In his opening remarks, Otunba Runsewe emphasised the importance of equipping young people with the skills necessary for the future.
He expressed concern that not enough is being done for both the cultural sector and the youth population in Nigeria.
He urged participating states to prioritise the involvement of young people in their plans, emphasising the Chinese approach of “catching them young.”
The DG shared a compelling experience from his recent trip to China, where he witnessed young people in a 2-bedroom flat producing the chips used in ATM cards.
This experience inspired him to advocate for similar skill development for Nigerian youth. “Why can’t we put the young people in Taraba together and give them this type of skill, so we can then become an exporter of chips to the rest of Africa and the world? There and then I discussed with my host, and they agreed to train 3700 youths,” he explained.
Responding to media inquiries, Otunba Runsewe outlined the tripartite arrangement for the project, involving the NCAC, state governments, and the Chinese government.
He highlighted the Chinese government’s commitment to providing accommodation support alongside training. The NCAC will collaborate with participating states and the FCT to facilitate the selection of 1000 youths from each region, addressing logistics and other related expenses.
Regarding the project timeline, Otunba Runsewe stated, “This will depend on us. The Chinese have given their words, which means they are ready as always. It is now left for us to show our own readiness. If any state is ready as early as January, with their 1000 participants and all requirements met, we will start with that batch.”
Mr. Israel Eboh, National President of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), lauded the initiative as a significant opportunity inspired by Otunba Olusegun Runsewe.
He advised immediate action, considering China’s success in various fields, and urged swift harnessing of the opportunity before it expires.
