From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration would carve a new direction for economic growth and development, anchored on maximising the state’s cultural heritage and tourism potential.
Obaseki spoke at a dinner organised by the state government for the United States’ Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington and officials of the Smithsonian Museum of African Arts at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Benin City.
This was as the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, charged Nigerian leaders to be patriotic and nationalistic in their attitude towards governance, as it was the only way to lead the country on the path of peace, progress and development.
Obaseki, who spoke at the end of the exhibition of 10,000 royal photographs at the National Museum Benin, an event put together by the Smithsonian Museum, in conjunction with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and the state government, said the state government would prioritise the promotion and exploitation of art and culture for the benefit of the people.
He said the new approach is being pioneered by a new set of actors, who, he said, will champion the course of Benin arts through the ‘Edo way,’ which places premium on the cultural and human capital of the Edo people.
The governor added that there is need for synergy among stakeholders, to sell Nigerian arts and culture to the rest of the world.
“This November would mark my one year in office. When we look back at the past 10 months and see what we have been able to achieve, how we have been able to change the narrative, you would agree that we have carved our own way.
“In the last 10 months, we have been trying to define a new direction, we have been trying to carve out our own way. And when we think back from the beginning, you would see that we have truly carved our way — the Edo way.” According to him, Edo State is endowed with sufficient assets to lead the cultural revolution in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, in a statement to rejoice with Nigerians on the 57th Independence anniversary of the country expressed gratitude “to God and the ancestors, for keeping the nation together; despite series of challenges.”
The monarch urged Nigerians to “eschew corruption, which is the bane of the country’s growth and development.”
He said that the country’s resources must be distributed fairly and equitably so as no to marginalise any segment of the society.
“It is a way that is defined by our past, by who we are and where we are coming from, and by what we have achieved. The pointers are showing us that the future has just begun. It is coincidental that at this point in time in our country, when we are battling with several elements, we are here today to celebrate something that shows us who we are or who we were 500 years ago.
“It is very clear that we are the most endowed people in this country, not just by location or because of the wealth beneath the land, but the wealth of our culture. So, we have partners like you, who have decided to dedicate themselves to help us find who we are, we can only say thank you.
“We must thank the Ambassador and the Smithsonian Institute and Nigerian artists that are involved in this work. My colleagues and I, in government, assure you that we will chart our way. And we would need your support and investments as we keep to this path.”