The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, has described the newly introduced Quarterly Visual Arts Exhibition of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, as a veritable platform for promoting creativity, preserving cultural heritage and creating opportunities for artists to thrive.
Saka, stated this at the flag-off of the Quarterly Visual Arts Exhibition organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, commending the Ministry for the initiative, noting that the exhibition would enable artists to showcase their creativity, gain visibility and contribute to the preservation of Ogun’s rich cultural heritage.
The Head of Service, who recalled his experience as a trained and certified creative arts instructor, said the visual arts were more than expressions of beauty and creativity as they were reflections of people’s identity, history and values. He added that the creative industry offered opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship, employment and economic empowerment.
Saka, said the exhibition aligned with the vision of Governor Dapo Abiodun, encapsulated in the ISEYA mantra and his commitment to “Building Our Future Together,” adding that providing platforms for artists to develop their skills and connect with opportunities would contribute to human capital development and the growth of the creative economy.
He urged participating artists to remain committed to excellence, continuous learning and innovation, while calling on institutions, the private sector and the public to support creative talents.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Culture and tourism, Hon. Sesan Fagbayi, noted that the initiative was designed to provide artists with sustained visibility, market access and economic opportunity, describing the exhibition as ‘a deliberate step’ to create continuous platforms where creativity could be showcased, celebrated and connected to opportunities beyond gallery walls, as well as to strengthen ties between culture, creativity, tourism and enterprise so that galleries and cultural spaces become places where talent could meet opportunity.
“I urge you to continue to support our artists. When you support an artist, you are not merely acquiring a work of arts, you are investing in talent, culture and the future of our creative economy” the Commissioner urged.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Quddus Yusuf, said the 5 days exhibition would feature works intended to tell stories about Ogun’s culture and legacies which included contributions not from across Ogun State and from neighbouring states as well as international participants.
Yusuff, emphasized the exhibition’s role in advancing a broader agenda to raise the profile of arts and culture through series of initiatives intended to nurture local creative talent and increase public engagement with cultural heritage.
He highlighted some of the initiatives from the Ministry that included the publication of a Cultural Magazine called OgunRewa which curated stories centered on the culture of the people of the State and the resuscitation of the Artists Night.
In her remarks, the Former Special Adviser in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs Busola Ogunyemi, commended artists who had transformed discarded materials, known as waste materials into works of value as well as the display of genuine creativity at the exhibition.
She emphasized the exhibition’s potential to address youth unemployment by promoting entrepreneurship in the arts urging government to smooth pathways for artists and creative entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.
Also Speaking, a veteran actor, Yomi Fash Lanso, appreciated the Ministry of Tourism and Culture for its involvement and solicited for government continuous support to expand, saying “When they keep doing these things and there’s no support, that may naturally soak the passion.”