Maidugu told Newsmen in Abuja that the sector provided a solid platform for the growth of the tourism industry.
According to him, any major development initiative designed to be sustainable cannot afford to neglect the sector, partly because it is the second only to agriculture in job creation.
``Conservative estimates indicate that over 80 per cent of the total populations of Africa are rural dwellers who engage in farming along with various form of crafts production.
``These constitute major aspects of our rural industries in the form of small and medium scale enterprises which are fundamental to stimulating economic and industrial development and empowerment,’’ he said.
Maidugu said that the Africa Arts and Crafts Expo (AFAC) was conceived to address these challenges considering the huge potentiality of the industry.
He said that AFAC was initiated with a view to explore, develop, market and generally leverage the diverse crafts industry to contribute effectively in response to government efforts at job creation.
Maidugu said that the 2013 AFAC with the theme: ` Leveraging on the Arts and Crafts Industry for Job Creation and Economic Empowerment’ was slated for June 10.
According to him, the 6th edition of AFAC is expected to be declared open by Dame Patience Jonathan.
The secretary said that the expo would help to sensitise investors on the need to invest in the sector as a way of encouraging enterprise development and export orientated production.
