By Praise Chinecherem
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has restated his commitment to making the state an investment hub for arts and tourism.
Soludo stated this while declaring open the first edition of the Arts and Crafts Exhibition in Awka, organised by Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism in collaboration with the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA).
The 4-day exhibition witnessed no fewer than 56 curators, crafters and artisans from across the state who showcased their creative works and handmade crafts from clay, leather, wood, glass, as well as jewellries and paintings.
They also displayed works produced by members of SNA as well as items of craft and indigenous traditional artworks by guild of blacksmiths and native wood carvers.
The governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, assured his administration would continue to promote indigenous arts and crafts as part of efforts to boost youth employment.
“This administration is making a huge impact on all the sectors. We have declared free education, we have also declared free antenatal and delivery care services.
” The arts, culture and tourism sector will not be left out. We are working to ensure that we build a market where creativity would be valued.
“This exhibition is an opportunity for our crafters, artisans and curators to expose their talents and skills to attract tourists and investors, ” he said.
Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr Don Onyenji, said that the exhibition encapsulated the state’s treasure in the arts.
Onyenji said that the exhibition presented an ample chance into what the state’s creative industry could offer Nigeria’s economy.
“The creative industry seems to be neglected which is why the governor gave us a mandate to hold this exhibition and promote our arts and crafts.
“No fewer than 56 curators, crafters and artisans are here to display their works, and it is an opportunity for the world to appreciate Anambra’s special endowment.
“We believe this will encourage more people, especially youths, to look into the creative and artistic sector for socio-economic development,” he said.
