The National Council for Arts and Culture has announced plans to replicate the Abuja Arts and Crafts Village in 36 states of the federation.

The director-general of NCAC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, made the announcement on Saturday during an inspection visit to the craft village in Abuja.

Runsewe said the move was part of the council’s efforts to tackle unemployment and boost the nation’s economy.

He explained that the craft village would provide a platform for unemployed Nigerians to market and produce their wares.

“We are going to replicate this art and craft village in the 36 states of the federation to help the ordinary Nigerians make a living,” Runsewe said. “This will reduce unemployment, crime rate and make the nation a better place.” He said

The Abuja Arts and Crafts Village is a multi-purpose facility that includes an amphitheatre, events arena, business centres, photo shops, pharmacy, and a car park.

It is also home to a variety of workshops where artisans can produce their crafts.

Runsewe said the craft village in Abuja would be opened in two weeks and the NCAC would be offering subsidized rates for the use of the facilities.

“You do not need to spend fortune to celebrate your birthday, with N30,000 you will be given access to the party arena,” Runsewe said.

“Also the shops will go for N200,000 each when plazas around the Federal Capital Territory go for N2 million. So, the entire package has been made affordable.”