By Ibrahim Ramalan
Kwon Young-IK, Director of Korean Cultural Centre in Abuja, said that it would continue to promote its national identity in Nigeria through collaboration and sharing of cultural heritage.
Young-IK said this at a seminar organised by the National Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), at the Korean Cultural Centre in Abuja recently.
The seminar with the theme “Development and growth of the culture and arts sector under the EU-ECOWAS economic partnership agreement,” focuses on creating jobs for the citizens.
It also aims at building strong component of development to pave the way for sustainable economic growth in West Africa.
Young-IK noted that the Korean Cultural centre which was established in Abuja in 2010 had achieved part of the aims of the seminar as it had through culture, strengthened the relationship between Korea and Nigeria.
“Nigeria has diverse historical background and colourful culture, literature and film institution that will aid development and generate jobs as well.
“Nigeria is known for its geometric sculptures and oil paintings, local hand-woven hand-dyed batik fabrics which are cheap, affordable and immensely popular among the people.
“To promote the two countries culture with a great value, we have continued to focus on strengthening our bond through events like this through cultural performance, fashion and arts exhibitions’’, he said.
According to Young-IK, the cooperation between Korea and Nigeria in the area of art and culture include the Korea-Nigeria poetry festival and the Korea-Nigeria Quiz competition, co-sponsored with the Federal Capital Territory Education Board.
“Others are Arts of Friendships’, an arts exhibition with five participating countries and co-hosted by the National Gallery of Arts and the arts exhibition for students with disability jointly organised with an NGO, Helping Hands.
“The Korean Ambassador Taekwondo Championship co-hosted with the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation is another way Korea and Nigeria have exchanged cultures,” he added.
The Director also said that mutual understanding and diplomatic ties had been strengthened between Nigeria and Korea through the various exhibitions and sports.
