Management

FORMER CEOs

Former NCAC Chief Executive Officers

Mr. Frank was born on the 8^th of January, 1935 in Edunabon, Edo State as the fourth child of Late Rev. Isaiah Aigbovioise and Eunice Imoukhuede. Mr Frank Imoukhuede attended Igbobi College between 1950 and 1954, combining his studies with school colours as a member of the College Cricket II. He continued playing this gentleman’s sport at the University College Ibadan where he graduated with a BA English (Hons) in 1961. He was a valued member of the University Cricket and Hockey Team which earned him several International Caps. In 1965, he went on a Post Graduate Diploma course to Poona, India to study Cinematography.

Frank’s first job after graduation was with the Radio Nigeria Service in 1960 as Planning Officer to the Controller of National Programmes. He also explored Television in 1962 when he produced Focus, a documentary of Western Nigeria Government Programmes. In 1961, Frank was employed as a Journalist by the Daily Express Newspaper, the very first graduate of a Nigerian University to be hired by a Local Newspaper. In 1962 he moved to full-time journalism to join the Nigerian Civil Service where he was appointed as Information Officer of the Western Region. In 1963, Frank was assigned to the Federal Film Unit as a Scriptwriter. During this time, he scripted the popular radio series “Save Journey”, “Oga Mr.”, “Councilor” and “Constable Joe” amongst others.

In 1971, Frank was appointed the very first Cultural Officer of the Federal Civil Service rising to the position of Principal Cultural Officer in 1975. During this time, he supervised Nigeria’s entries and exhibitions in the 2^nd World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC). He also wrote and directed a number of documentaries including; “The Sallah Durbar – Balled of Katsina and God Dance”, “Man Dance”, Nigeria’s entry into FESTAC.

Between 1975 and 1988, Aig-Imoukhuede held the post of Director, National Council for Arts and Culture, coordinating States Arts and Councils and the yearly National Festival of Arts (NAFEST). In 1988, Frank was appointed the Federal Director of Culture, a position he held until retirement in 1995.

He has cheered numerous National and International Committees on Cultural Development.

Prof Sule was born on the 5^th of January, 1953 in his hometown State, Kano. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Combined Honours) in Political Science and History from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1975) and a Masters of Arts Degree in Political Economy and History (1978) and a Post Doctorate Degree on Development of Modern Europe – Commonwealth Fellowship Award from the University of Kent, UK in 1986.

Sule Bello was appointed the 2^nd Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) in 1989. As the Council’s Chief Executive Officer, he recorded several achievements which amongst many include:

Expanded the Administrative Structure of the Council by establishing the Ten (10) Zonal Offices located in Uyo, Bauchi, Benin, Maiduguri, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Oshogbo an Sokoto.
Established four (4) Specialized Galleries on Masquerades (Enugu) Textiles (Oshogbo) Durbar (Kaduna) and Boat Regatta (Uyo).
Inaugurated the Nigerian Fashion show to promote Nigerian Textile Industry, Fashion, and Creativity to Nigerian Fashion Designers.
Instituted the National Merit Award for Arts and Culture (NAMAAC) to provide an avenue for the promotion and propagation of excellence in the fields of Arts and Culture. Four (4) editions of it were held in (1994 – 1997).
Established professional Library and Archives Unit in the Council for documentation and referral purposes.
Initiated the Nigerian Indigenous Circus Company (NICCON) to mainstream Traditional Entertainment, Theatres and Folkloric Arts.
Organized several Seminars, Symposia and Workshops and facilitated a robust Research and Publications on Culture, Arts and Crafts in the Council.
Initiated the Culture Quiz Competition for Secondary Schools (The FCT Edition).
Moved the operations of the Headquarters of the Council from Lagos to Abuja.
Initiated Several special projects in collaboration with National/International, Government and Non-Governmental Organisations.
Presided over ten (10) editions of the Chief Executives of Culture of the Federation.

Mr. Emma Nnakaenyi Arinze (Late) was born on 25^th December, 1945 in Sapele, Delta State and hails from Ukpo in Anambra State of Nigeria. Mr. Emma holds a Bachelor of Science Degree and Sociology from the University of Ibadan (UI) in 1971 and a Masters of Education Degree from the University of Lagos in 1983 as well as Masters of Sociology from the University of Jos Plateau, State in 1988. He was appointed the 3^rd Director/CEO of the Council on the 1^st August,2000 for an initial period of four (4) years which was renewed 1^st August, 2004.

Mr. Emma died in active service in the February, 2005. While in Council, his numerous achievements amongst many include;

Initiated the Herbal Gardens Project Abina, Ebonyi State.
He Initiated the Culture of Peace and Dialogue Forum as a Youth Enlightenment/Advocacy Platform.
Initiated the publication of NCAC News as an In-House Magazine and the Voice of Arts and Culture in Nigeria.
Expanded the National Quiz Competition for Secondary School Students to a National Program.
Converted the four (4) specialized Galleries of the Council i.e. Durbar, Masquerade, Textiles and Boat Regatta into National Research Centres on Specialized Cultural Manifestation for more robust intellectual inquiry and presentation.
Expanded the Chief Executive of Culture of the Federation Meeting (CEC) to a Bi-Annual Platform for regular advocacy and mainstreaming Administrative of Culture.
Secured appropriate office complex to house the National Research Centers on Masquerade Tradition, Enugu, Enugu State.
Completed and commissioned the Herbal Garden Project in Getso, Kano State.
Contributed immensely to the development of Museum in Nigeria and the Commonwealth.
Was the first African Museum Expert to be elected as a three (3) term President of the Commonwealth Association of Museums (CAM) from its inception in 1974.
Was elected the President of the African Organization of Museums (AFRICOM) in October, 2003.
Was the spokesman for Museum in the Commonwealth and Africa at various fora globally.
Contributed immensely to the content of Abuja Carnival.
His pro-active intervention on Council’s Permanent Site as a venue for CHOGM Cultural Market led to high visibility and utilization of the site.

Mr. Mwajim Malgwi Maidugu was born on the 10^th of June 1951 at Marama, Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with a 2^nd Class Upper Division from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria in 1977, a Post Graduate Diploma in Arts Education in 1980 and a Master’s Degree in Arts Education from ABU Zaria in 1982.

Mr. Maidugu began his career as a Lecturer with the Borno College of Education from 1978 to 1983 before proceeding to University of Maiduguri where he served as a Lecturer in the Department of Creative Arts from 1983 to 1989 where he rose to the position of Lecturer I. In October, 1989 he transferred his services from the University of Maiduguri to the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) as an Assistant Director in 1996 where he was promoted to the position of Director and in 2005, he was appointed as Ag. Executive Director/CEO before his confirmation in 2006. His Numerous achievements amongst many include;

Upgraded the structure of the Council which has no substantive Director Rank then apart from the CEO to Seven (7) Departments and Four (4) Zonal Directorate Offices making a total of Eleven (11) Directors in the establishment position of the Council before his retirement in August, 2014.
He initiated and hosted the Annual African Arts and Crafts (AFAC Expo), 2008 which has successfully become one of the regional Arts and Crafts Market Platform which attracts participants of Nigerian Artistes and Craft Entrepreneurs with an annual average participant of Sixteen (16) African Countries and beyond.
He over the years improved the content of National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) to effectively play the role of promoting Peace and National Unity as well as a platform for talent development and Job Creation. Under his leadership, he has successfully implemented Nine (9) editions of his festival.
His efforts and professionalism are seen in some of his books he co-authored in his field of Arts Culture and Crafts. These include:
A Compendium of Nigerian Arts and Crafts
NAFEST in pictures, a compendium of NAFEST Colloquium 2004 -2009, Nigeria Crafts Designs, Limitless Investment Opportunities, Arts and Crafts National Building among others.
Towards arresting the Rural Urban Crafts and Youth Restiveness, the NCAC under Mr. Maidugu created over Fifteen (15) Crafts and Cultural Development Centers for Skills and Economic Empowerment across the Six (6) Geo – Political Zones in Nigeria.
Towards this, he has completed and commissioned the following Projects:
National Crafts Development Centre in Ikare, Ondo State, Kano and Sokoto, Sokoto State.
National Research Centre on Textile Tradition Oshogbo, Osun State.
Ultra-modern Shopping Complex for National Research Centres on Masquerade Traditions, Enugu State.
At the International Level, he has curated and participated in many exhibitions and round table discussions on Nigerian Culture, Arts and Crafts in Countries such as Germany, USA, UK, Bahamas, Australia, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Pakistan, Ghana, Dubai, Spain, China just to mention a few.
Through some struggle under his administration, NCAC got the Certificate of Occupancy (C-Of-O) on its Permanent Site.
He has several National and International Awards such as Society of Nigeria Artists (SNA), Nigeria Crafts Council (NCC) and International Federation of Arts Council and Cultural Agencies (IFACCA).
He has several national Awards which include;
An Award by RATTAWU for his contribution to the development of Culture.
An outstanding career, service award by Ahmadu University, Zaria Alumni Association, Abuja Branch.
Award of Honorary Fellowship by Society of Nigeria Artists (SNA).
Maidugu is married with Five (5) Children and Two (2) Grandchildren.

Mrs. Ekundayo Queenohia Keshi was the 5^th Director General/CEO of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) as well as the first female DG of the Agency in August, 2014. Before her appointment as the DG/CEO of NCAC, she had retired as Director, Cultural Industries and Heritage from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation after 35years of meritorious service and wealth in experience in the sector.

Keshi successfully executed her first assignment as the DG, i.e. The National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST).
She had the privilege of hosting the 10^th Honours Lecture Service, where she honored some prominent Nigerians who had in so many ways help in the development of culture.
She also honored all the past chief Executive Officer of the NCAC and prominent Royal Fathers.
Within her first year of being in charge of the NCAC’S affairs, over fifty staff of the Council underwent capacity building training in Chinese Language.
During her tenure as the DG of NCAC, she organized the African Arts and Crafts fair, International forum, Arts and Crafts Exhibition and school children variety shows and presentations.
She also signed several MOUs with some of through Ambassadors in Nigeria detailing the area of cooperation between both countries.
Dayo Keshi did not relent efficiently on maintaining and building partnership and participating in both regional and international events such as SIAO, Pan-African festival of Arts and Culture (PANAFEST), Internal Federation of Arts Councils and Cultural Agencies (IFACCA), Worlds Crafts Council (WCC) all to improve the International Image of the Council but most importantly, build bridges of international friendship using Culture

Otunba Olusegun Runsewe was born in Kaduna to the family of Pa Bankole Runsewe from Ogun State. He attended St. Michael Primary School, Kaduna before proceeding to Vohoeven Technical College Minna, now Government Technical College. He holds an MBA in Marketing from Edo State University; Higher National Diploma in Management Studies from London School for Executives. He also has a Diploma in Public Relations from the London School of Management Studies and a Professional Certificate in Estate and Property Management from Kaduna Polytechnic.

Otunba Runsewe has remained a consistent phenomenon in the Media, Culture and Tourism Sectors in Nigeria since the last three decades. He worked as Marketing Manager at the New Nigerian Newspaper and rose to the position of General Manager at the organization. He also worked as Head of Public Relations (Media) National Theatre; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Sports Weekly and was Publisher and Editor-in-chief of National Network Newspapers. He was also the Media Coordinator, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2013, Abuja, Nigeria.

Otunba Runsewe was appointed as an Executive Director at the National Orientation Agency in 2000, a position he held until his appointment as the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in August 2006. His tenure at the NTDC was a watershed in the development of the Tourism Sector in Nigeria. His aggressive Tourism marketing campaign, anchored on the catch-phrase “Tourism is Life” gave the Nigerian Tourism Industry unprecedented national and international visibility. The tenure positioned Nigeria as one of the leading faces of tourism and a preferred destination in Africa. With consistent annual exhibitions at International Tourism Expositions like FITUR, Madrid Spain; ITB Berlin, Germany; Arabian Travel Market, Dubai; World Travel Market Orkland London, etc, Nigeria during Runsewe’s tenure, began to seriously contend for world’s attention as a destination of preference. The era witnessed the harvest of commendation letters by the Nigerian Tourism Corporation, including those from the World Travel Market, London and FITUR, Spain.

Otunba Runsewe was also the pioneer Chairman of Abuja Carnival Planning Committee, the Carnival edition that has been adjudged by the international community to be the best organized since its inception. The Nigerian Tourism Village, which he put together during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, was rated as one of its kind at the event.

Otunba Runsewe is a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations; Chairman, Nigerian Sport Writers Association; Chairman, Board of Nigerian Institute of Journalism; Fellow of Institute of Management Studies (FIMS); and Fellow, Association of Business Executives, (FABE), London.

A detribalized Nigerian, he holds several titles from different parts of the country, including Danburan Kebbi of Kebbi State; Obiagu 1 of Igbo Ukwu, Anambra State, amongst others.

Having held Management and Executive positions in the Nigerian Media Industry, the National Theatre and National Orientation Agency as well as served as the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Cooperation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has come to the National Council for Arts and Culture with a track record of experience and expertise. A man of high integrity and impeccable character, he has the ability to create a river out of an oasis anywhere he works. We expect a new dawn in the Culture Industry in Nigeria under his stewardship.

Management

Former NCAC Chief Executive Officers

MR. FRANK AIG -IMOUKHUEDE

PROF. SULE BELLO (LATE)

MR. EMMA NNAKAENYI ARINZE (LATE)

MR. MWAJIM MALGWI MAIDUGU

MRS. EKUNDAYO QUEENOHIA KESHI

OTUNBA OLUSEGUN RUNSEWE, OON, FIMS, FABE

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