The Federal Government has selected Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Governor of Edo State, to spearhead the Nigerian delegation to the 60th International Art Exhibition, hosted by La Biennale di Venezia in the Veneto region of Italy from April 16 to 18, 2024. Obaseki’s nomination stems from Edo State’s notable achievements in championing cultural richness, artistic, endeavours, and heritage preservation, while also driving tourism and economic growth within the state. The state government has announced that Governor Obaseki will serve as the Commissioner of the Nigerian Pavilion at the exhibition.
“Eso state and its capital city, Benin City, have been a main heritage and cultural artistic hub in Nigeria for centuries and Governor Godwin Obaseki has a strong desire to support arts and culture. The government of Edo State is planning to develop a cultural district in the centre of Benin City. The cultural hub is intended to span a large expanse of land that will bring in new structures and also accommodate existing ones such as the National Museum Benin City.”
“The development of the cultural district is intended to expand the cultural and creative industries to attract tourists to the country, the federal government noted in its letters to the organisers to nominate Governor Obaseki.”
The Museum of West African Arts Board, in collaboration with the President of the Veneto region, will welcome the delegation led by Governor Obaseki and lead them on a guided tour of the Nigerian Pavilion and Art Exhibition.
“This is the very first time a sub-national is leading the Nigerian delegation to such an event. The Veneto region is the wealthiest and most productive region in Italy with one of the highest gatherings of people of African descent. Edo intends to learn from the Veneto development model that is characterised by strong export-oriented entrepreneurship in traditional economic sectors. The Edo State Government will collaborate with the government of the region via the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to foster Sociocultural and Economic partnership that will be beneficial to the improved growth, development, and productivity of Edo State,” the organisers said.
According to the organisers, this partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in technical and vocational training, expand opportunities in the agricultural sector, boost capacity in information technology, stimulate tourism, enhance economic prospects in the textile industry, and foster social and cultural ties between ties between the two countries.
The group exhibition will showcase the works of eight talented arttist; Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Ndidi Dike, Onyeka Igwe, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Abraham Oghobase, Precious Okoyomon, Yinka Shonlibare CBE, and Fatimah Tuggar.