Globaltimes 
Arts lovers and other dignitaries converged in Lagos recently for the formal unveiling of ArtFrika Fest, a creative platform aimed at promoting and preserving African Crafts in Nigeria initiated by Ms. Bolatito Sowunmi, Creative Director /Designer at Sapphire Blue Creative Minds.
The former Ms ‘Pepeiye’ of Papa Ajasco and Company produced by Wale Adenuga Production undoubtedly, is not new in the creative industry.
In her opening remark at the event, Sowunmi disclosed that ArtFrika Fest seeks to create an avenue to showcase creative talents to the World, adding that her goal was to establish a hub where African-made Crafts can compete favourably with those made in foreign countries.
“Furthermore, we intend to merge the Creative Arts with entertainment as we are committed to contributing our own quota to the development of arts and crafts in Nigeria,” she stressed.
One of the guests and a visual artist, Ekene Ngige described art as life, urging people to patronize made-in-Nigeria goods. “This is the only way we can develop and improve on the usage of local content. We need to encourage ourselves first before foreigners can do same,” he maintained.
The highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the ArtFrika Fest stand, an indication that the initiative has come to stay.
In a bid to support the initiative, guests used the opportunity to raise fund for the take-off of the new brand.
Guests at the event include Ambassador Queen Blessing Ebigiesan, Vice President AMP; PRO NSCDC Lagos, Assistant Superintendent Seun Abolurin, MD/CEO Banix Motors, Ayobanjo Ibrahim, Princess Lilian Odumosu of Lagos Television, Mrs. Victoria Ogiri, Chief Osagie Cerutti, Amb. Cornel Udofia amongst others.
Peterclaver Egbochue
