Akwa-Ibom govt pledges to create enabling environment for artists

The Akwa Ibom government on Friday pledged to create an enabling environment for artists to showcase and promote their works in the state.

Gov. Udom Emmanuel gave the pledged when he declared open an exhibition of contemporary Nigerian Arts and Crafts tagged, “‘Usoro Uso’ Celebrating Creativity in Akwa Ibom’’in Uyo.

He assured that the state “will create that sense of belief in our people and a platform for them to express the artistic gifts to wider experience and audience.”

According to him, the state was blessed with a rich cultural heritage and products to be proud of.

He said “Besides the rich raffia products, the state also can boast of seven types of clay; we should be hosting some people who need to come and see how we can refine the clay.”

He explained that some of the refined clay were currently used for pottery and there would see the state producing tiles, and other water cytern shanks.

In the area of performing arts, Emmanuel lauded notable Nollywood artistes from the state for their positive projection of state in the entertainment industry.

They include Ini Edo, Ime Bishop(Okon Lagos), Ini Ikpe, Emem Isong projecting the image of the state among others, indicating that the state blessed with numerous talents has not been found wanting.

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Earlier, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Victor Antai said ‘Usoro Uso’ was to commemorate Emmanuel’s two years in office.

Antai assured that the exhibition would be sustained and improved upon as part of the culture and tourism events in the state.

He commended Emmanuel for his support which has led to significant milestones in the area of preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of the state.