The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, says the newly introduced Quarterly Visual Arts Exhibition will promote creativity, preserve cultural heritage and create opportunities for artists to thrive.
Mr. Saka stated this while declaring open the five-day exhibition organised by the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
He described visual arts as reflections of the identity, history and values of the people, stressing that the creative industry could provide opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship, employment and economic empowerment.
The Head of Service, who said he was a trained and certified creative arts instructor, urged participating artists to pursue excellence, continuous learning and innovation.
He also called on institutions, the private sector and the public to support creative talents.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Sesan Fagbayi, said the exhibition was designed to provide artists with sustained visibility, market access and economic opportunities.
He explained that the initiative would strengthen the relationship between culture, creativity, tourism and enterprise. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engineer Quddus Yusuf, said the exhibition featured works from artists across Ogun State, neighbouring states and other countries, aimed at showcasing the state's culture and heritage.
He said other initiatives by the Ministry included the publication of OgunRewa, a cultural magazine, and the revival of Artists Night.
Also speaking, a former Special Adviser in the Ministry, Mrs. Busola Ogunyemi, commended artists for transforming waste materials into valuable works of art.
She said promoting entrepreneurship in the creative sector could contribute to addressing youth unemployment.
Veteran actor, Yomi Fash-Lanso, called for sustained government support for the creative industry, saying lack of support could weaken the passion of practitioners.
