ANAMBRA CULTURE COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCES GOVT PLANS FOR A CREATIVE HUB TO ENHANCE CREATIVE INDUSTRY
By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
The Anambra Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, emphasized that the state government plans to establish a creative hub where individuals can gather to commit themselves to their craft, fostering a robust creative industry.
He highlighted that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s manifesto includes mainstreaming Anambra on a global stage, with a strong commitment to promoting the creative industry, which encompasses the arts. This commitment was demonstrated through an Art and Craft Exhibition held in Awka, where local artists showcased their works and received support from the governor and the community.
Commissioner Onyenji made these remarks during a courtesy visit from Godwin Chika Nedum, a Guinness World Record participant for the longest painting marathon and an indigene of Umuokpu-Awka.
On behalf of the governor, the commissioner congratulated Nedum for his exceptional performance, noting that his achievement would inspire other young artists to recognize the possibilities within the art world.
“Similar to the autistic 15-year-old from Amichi who set the Guinness World Record for the largest painting on canvas, today you are achieving the Guinness World Record for the longest painting marathon, congratulations. Positive developments continue to emerge from Anambra, attracting tourism to our state.
“Recently, we hosted the largest concert to inaugurate the Solution Fun City, the most unique multi-purpose leisure park in sub-Saharan Africa. This event drew numerous visitors and featured performances from celebrities such as Flavour, Umuobiligbo, Ezegetive, Apete, Jennifer Eliogu and others. This aims to reshape the narrative that Anambra is safe and peaceful, as both the governor and the community are excelling.
“The progressive programs of the Solution government have reached grassroots levels. Whatever the governor does in Awka resonates down to the wards, families, and communities, ensuring that everyone is included, especially the youth of Anambra State.
“The people of Anambra are prepared to support the governor for a second term so that he can continue his positive efforts. The Awka and Onitsha 2.0 projects are on the way to transforming Anambra State into a mega city where people can invest, relax, and enjoy,” he said.
Responding, Nedum, who participated in the Guinness World Record for the longest painting marathon in Victoria Island, Lagos, shared that despite the challenges he faced, he completed the marathon in 200 hours and 40 minutes, receiving support from celebrities like Klink da Drunk, Jeriq and others.
“At 96 hours, my official time stopped due to technical issues, which caused all my art materials to disappear. I had to restart a day later, but this drew commendation and support from many. The Guinness World Record organizers have requested to display my paintings in their museum in London. In a hundred years, my name, my home state, and the record I set will be showcased, creating a legacy that elevates Anambra and the Igbo people. As the ‘Light of the Nation,’ we have much to offer the world.”
He extended his gratitude to the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, for her encouragement and to the governor for his impactful initiatives in the state. “Many of the wonderful projects the governor is undertaking or planning will provide opportunities for creatives lacking means or sponsorship, helping them stay engaged and out of crime.
“I have an art gallery along Regina Ceali Road in Awka, where young artists can come to practice their drawing or painting. This initiative aims to inspire our young artists, reminding them that great opportunities are coming to Anambra and they should be a part of it,” he concluded.
Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
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