Nigerian artifacts and other rich cultural arts estimated at about N7million are on display at the Nigerian Stand in the Welcome Village set up by the City of Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg for World Cup visitors.

According to our source in South Africa, thousands of visitors have been  streaming  into the Welcome Village to admire cultural works of the six participating African countries at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Organisers of the event  said between  15,000 and 25,000 visitors pass through the facility daily to learn more of Africa’s rich cultural heritage. 

Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Retired Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa was among visitors at the village on Tuesday, where he gave kudos to officials of the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation for doing the nation proud. 

Marwa said that the stand, with display of rich cultural values of Nigeria, would help visitors from across the globe have a first hand view of what the country had to offer. 

He said the country’s tourism potentials would also be boosted by displays  at the stand. 

The Deputy-Director, External Relations in the Ministry, Mrs Dayo Keshi, who coordinated activities at the stand, told newsmen  that various artifacts and works of art to the tune of N7 million had been brought in from Nigeria for display. 

She said the exhibition would further boost bi-lateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa as well as project the country more globally. 

“Our stand showcases a wide range of creative ingenuity of our past heroes through an assemblage of our masterpieces that portray spiritual linkages between artistes, their community and their country,’’ she said.  

The Deputy-Director said some visitors had requested to purchase many of the art works on display.

She said after the world cup, everything on display at the Nigeria stand would be moved to the High Commission to give more people the chance to see them. 

“The excitement has been high with people saying they did not know Nigerians can be such warm people,” she said. 

Mr Rufus Matipe,  Director, International Relations in the Department of Arts and Culture, South Africa, told newsmen that the village was one of the busiest in the country with a heavy flow of international visitors. 

“The idea is that football is just 90 minutes on the field but people coming will like to see more than just soccer,” he said. 

Matipe said the village would boost cultural relations among African countries exhibiting at the Village. 

The Ekurhuleni Welcome Village gulped R23m (about N460m) in its construction and among other things, aims to enhance the spirit of togetherness in the continent.