The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has hailed the very rich cultural history
and tradition of the ancient Benin Kingdom, one of the famous destinations during the exploitation
of the African continent by the Europeans.
Speaking at the opening of the National Gallery of Art (NGA) Benin
Art Exhibition, in commemoration of the coronation of the new Oba of Benin, in Benin City on Friday, the
Minister however lamented the plundering of the priceless pieces of
Benin art works during the attack on
the ancient Benin Kingdom by the British in 1897.
''Although some of the works have been repatriated, till date some other choice works are still adorning
exhibition spaces in museums across
Europe and Britain. For instance, the
Idia Ivory mask, official symbol of
the 2nd World Black Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC’77) which took place in Nigeria in 1977, is still on display in a British museum,'' he said.
Alhaji Mohammed said the people of
Edo, whom he described as ''highly
skilled'' in the arts and crafts,
have continued to maintain the rich
legacy of the Benin Kingdom with
their colorful festivals and engagement in arts production such as
pottery, basket-making, cane furniture, cloth-weaving, mat-making
and gold-smiting to generate income
and create jobs.
He used the occasion to welcome and
highlight the significance of the
establishment of World Intellectual
Property Organisation's External
Office in Nigeria, noting that the
contribution of Nigeria to the
Commonwealth of culture and creativity has gained global prominence.
''Our rich culture is a spectacle
for the global world to behold.
Nigeria has become an irresistible
and important site of culture,
creativity and intellectual property.
The above fact is therefore significant to the establishment of
WIPO's external office in Nigeria.
''WIPO's office in Nigeria will fulfill the three key objectives of
providing the much needed capacity
building for Africa with Nigeria as
regional hub; support local and
regional information and technical
assistance system; and strengthen
automated solutions by IP system and
public authorities for the country
and the region,'' the Minister said.
The four-day exhibition, with the
theme: “The Art of the Benin Kingdom,'' is showcasing the exquisite Benin art in the national collection, alongside art works produced by some Benin artists. The exhibition contains various genre of art such as paintings, sculpture, and textiles.
Segun Adeyemi SA to Hon Minister of Information and Culture
Abuja Oct. 22nd 2016



https://adeenewsblog..co.ke/2016/10/lai-mohammed-opens-commemorative-art.html



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National Gallery of Art. Showcasing contemporary and modern Nigeria Arts Keep it UP

Finally did something worthwhile...thumbs up to him.

Oya wailers hwfar,how ina see this one?