Nigerian artist Opeoluwa Ogunyakin has been elected President of the Organisation for the Development of African Handicrafts (ODEVAA-Africa) for a five-year term.<div><br></div><div>Nigeria’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Syndoph Endoni, said the development presented an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy, promote African unity and preserve the continent’s cultural heritage.</div><div><br></div><div>This is contained in a statement issued by the Embassy of Nigeria in Ouagadougou</div><div><br></div><div>Endoni spoke during an engagement with ODEVAA-Africa representatives on the sidelines of the International Arts and Crafts Fair of Ouagadougou.</div><div><br></div><div>He urged the organisation’s leadership to protect African arts, traditions and cultural identity while adapting to changing social influences.</div><div><br></div><div>The ambassador also called for stronger cooperation among African institutions involved in arts, culture and artisanal development.</div><div><br></div><div>He highlighted the economic importance of handicrafts and creative enterprises, noting their contributions to employment and improved livelihoods.</div><div><br></div><div>The delegation visited the Nigerian mission partly to celebrate Ogunyakin’s election.</div><div><br></div><div>He succeeds Ivorian Ali Cisse, founder and organiser of SIAB, an arts and crafts exhibition in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire.</div><div><br></div><div>Ogunyakin has more than 30 years’ experience in African arts and crafts.</div><div><br></div><div>He is a member of the National Council for Arts and Culture and participated in the 2007 African Festival of Arts and Culture in Abuja.</div><div><br></div><div>He previously served as President of ODEVAA Nigeria and is Chief Executive Officer of Artminds and Décor.</div><div><br></div><div>ODEVAA-Africa promotes African arts and heritage and supports employment opportunities for youths, women and persons living with disabilities.</div><div><br></div><div>The organisation operates in more than 28 African countries through national presidents and membership networks.</div><div><br></div><div>Representatives from Ghana, The Gambia, Burkina Faso, Benin Republic, Togo, Cameroon, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire attended the meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>The Nigerian mission said Ogunyakin’s emergence could strengthen Nigeria’s engagement in artisanal development, education, science and technology across Africa.</div><div><br></div><div>It added that closer engagement with ODEVAA-Africa would require institutional partnerships, capacity building and practical support for African-led initiatives to advance continental integration and economic cooperation. </div>