The World Crafts Council (WCC) has conferred a prestigious continental honour on Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, recognising his enduring contributions to the development of arts, culture and the creative economy in Africa.
Runsewe was named Icon of Crafts, Culture and Hospitality in Africa at the second World Crafts Forum, held in Kuwait City from February 1 to 3, 2026.
The award places him among a select group of global cultural leaders acknowledged for advancing the preservation and sustainability of traditional crafts.
In an award letter signed by the President of the World Crafts Council AISBL (International), Sa’ad al-Qaddumi, the Council praised Runsewe’s “unwavering commitment to the preservation, promotion and sustainability of handicrafts,” as well as his long-standing efforts to empower craft communities across Africa.
According to the Council, Runsewe’s work “aligns strongly with the mission and objectives of the World Crafts Council,” particularly in positioning crafts as a vital pillar of cultural identity, economic opportunity and creative enterprise.
“In 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 letter stated.
The plaque, the Council explained, serves as a formal and symbolic acknowledgement of Runsewe’s commendable role in promoting crafts, culture and hospitality in Africa and globally, as well as his invaluable support for the preservation of handicrafts and the empowerment of artisan communities.
It stands as a testament to the Council’s deep respect for his leadership vision and enduring dedication to cultural heritage.
Runsewe is the immediate past Director-General of Nigeria’s National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), where he was widely credited with repositioning Nigeria’s cultural assets and strengthening international cultural engagement.
The World Crafts Forum Kuwait 2026, themed “Craft in the Creative Economy,” brought together international craft leaders, artisans and policymakers to examine the evolving role of crafts in modern society, with a focus on sustainability, heritage and resilience in a rapidly changing global economy.
