The Association of Nigeria Theatre-Arts Practitioners (ANTP) and the Curator, Tunde Odunlade Arts and Culture Connexions have expressed willingness to partner with the Oyo State Government in continuation of its campaign to promote Yoruba cultural values in the State.
They both held separate meetings with the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun in Ibadan, Oyo State, today, to discuss moves to consciously promote the State’s rich cultural and tourism potentials.
Speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun paid eloquent tribute to the two stakeholders, adding that the State Government was ready to tap into their wealth of experience in promoting culture in the State.
He described Chief Odunlade, who owns Tunde Odunlade Arts and Culture Connexions, as a leader who is committed to promoting Nigerian culture across the globe.
While commending Chief Odunlade, whose Arts gallery in Ibadan, has helped promote tourism in the State, Olatunbosun also promised his office’s readiness to support the forthcoming Yoruba World Culture Festival, scheduled to hold in Abeokuta.
“You are an iconic artist whose outstanding works have significantly impacted the tourism industry by positively showcasing Nigerian Arts & Culture locally and abroad over the years”, he said.
Also speaking during ANTP’s visit, Olatunbosun noted that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration is actively investing in Oyo State’s creative industry, reiterating that his vision for the industry’s growth is in tandem with theirs.
He reiterated the importance of passing cultural legacy to the future generation, such that the Yoruba cultural development story will not go into extinction.
He therefore sought for a collaboration with both stakeholders in promoting culture and tourism, through revived advocacy, sensitization and promotion of Yoruba cultural values in schools.
“Judging from your experience as an established group, who have exhibited and taught the public on cultural values, we would like to partner with you, to teach the younger generations on the essence of our culture”, Olatunbosun said.
Speaking earlier, Chief Odunlade said there is a need for Government at all levels to lease at least 5% of public buildings to arts designs, saying this will go a long way in reawakening the arts and culture awareness in children.
He said his passion is also to witness the establishment of a National Gallery of Arts in Ibadan, adding that this will add to the development of the State’s tourism sector.
Also, the State Governor, ANTP, Mr. Gboye Abidoye sought for the State Government’s support towards its forthcoming Yoruba Arts and Culture Revival Festival, 2021.
He said the Festival is aimed at discovering young ones with talents early, so that they would be groomed appropriately.
Abidoye said the Association is keying into the State Government’s efforts to instil the long gone cultural values into the younger ones, especially at this 21st century age.