Artists appeal for renovation of Arts Village

Some resident artists of Abuja Arts and Crafts Village on Wednesday appealed to National Council for Arts and Crafts (NCAC) to renovate facilities within the village.

The artists told our correspondent in separate interviews in Abuja that the renovation would go a long way in restoring the lost glory of the village.

The occupants explained that they were no longer comfortable in doing their businesses in the village because of the deplorable state of the facility.

They said if the government could renovate the village, it would encourage more artists to patronise it and further promote creativity.

Mr Suleiman Lawal, a fashion designer, said that the village was very unique because of the purpose it was established.

Lawal commended the idea of establishing the village and called for the improvement and expansion of some of its facilities.

He urged government to provide the village with treated water or borehole so that the occupants could have access to clean and drinkable water.

He said that the village consisted of a community of professional creative artists in different areas, such as sculpture, performing arts and designers of different kinds, among others.

However, Mrs Anita Offodidon, a caterer, said that the toilets in the village were few in number making the occupants and customers to ease themselves in the open which was unhygienic.

“Whenever we feel pressed, we go to the open field to ease ourselves for lack of toilets,’’ she said.

Our correspondent observed that most of the buildings in the village are rapidly losing their cultural looks and need to be renovated.

Meanwhile, an NCAC official who pleaded anonymity said that the plan for the renovation was among the top priorities of the Director-General, Otunba Segun Runsewe.

“The DG already has plans to renovate the village. More toilets are to be added to the existing ones and the huts are to be renovated and restored to their former architectural designs.

“He has promised to give the artists an environment, where their businesses can thrive,’’ he said.