ABUJA – The Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, on Thursday said that Nigeria recovered 45 artworks from the U.S. last week.
Duke announced the recovery of the works of art on Wednesday night at the unveiling of the logo of the “Abuja Biennial’’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Abuja biennial is an arts fiesta designed to draw artists from Nigeria, Africa and other parts of the world.
The maiden edition of the Abuja biennial is expected to hold between October and November 2015.
The minister commended the Federal Government for the recent recovery of the 45 items in addition to others recovered from France and other countries.
“Nigeria is the cultural capital of Africa with our works embellishing some of the biggest museums across the world.
“Only last week, we were able to recover about 45 of some of our arts treasures from the U.S.
“There is also the need to recover other treasures of Nigeria’s arts from countries abroad so that our children will be better informed and educated about their heritage,’’ Duke said.
According to him, the art and culture sector has contributed significantly to the improvement of the rebate rate of the nation’s economy.
Rebate rate refers to a reduction in the interest rate earned by borrowers using an item of artwork as collateral for a loan.
“In the context of arts and culture, recent development in the sector have enhanced the nation’s credibility and improved the nation’s image, thus improving the rebate rate of the Nigeria’s economy,’’ he said.
Duke noted that since art and culture had over the years contributed to the growth of the economy, it was time for the Federal Government to look into the sector with a view to further diversify the economy.
“The Abuja biennial will provide a platform for our artists to express themselves and continue to reposition the country as the first among equals in the continent of Africa.
“It is essential to deploy the creativity of our youths and ensure that not only do we define art and culture as an enterprise but compel government to look again into this sector.
“This is because art has truly contributed to the rebate rate of the nations’ economy,’’ he said.
While refuting the 1.5 per cent contribution of the sector to the economy by the bureau of statistics, Duke said there was need to look at the rebate parameters of the evaluation.
“I am sure that the art sector weighed beyond 1.5 per cent the statistics should, however, be looked into.
“It is, however, my hope that this biennial will rekindle the spirit of creativity among our artists,’’ he said.
He further encouraged the artists to develop themselves by acquiring the knowledge needed to move the sector to greater heights where more income would be generated for the country.
In his remarks, Alhaji Abdullahi Muku, Director-General, National Gallery of Arts (NGA), said there was the need for the tourism and cultural sector to begin to contribute seriously to the country’s economy.
He said the Abuja biennial would offer Nigerian artists the opportunity to expose their products to the world while also opening up market to the teeming artists in the country.
“ We are going to publicise the arts and culture biennial in our drive to ensure that artists all over the world come to Nigeria with a large number of works.
He noted that not less than 50 countries were expected to attend the maiden edition next year.
Also, Mr Hipo Onwuegbuke, Chairman, Governing Board of the gallery, said that it was time to reposition Nigerian art among the comity of other nations of the world.
He said the official logo was an important directional signpost and a striking symbol of the creative energy that would galvanise the country’s overall national development.
Onwuegbuke, however, encouraged agencies of government to redirect the efforts of Nigerian artists toward a purposeful realisation of concrete goals that would generate jobs and income for the country. (NAN)
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