Building Anambra Into A Cultural Destination

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :

In a resolute stride to build Anambra into a cultural destination and a preferred place to live, work, relax, and enjoy, two big state events – Anambra Arts and Crafts Mega Exhibition and Anambra Fashion Expo (AFE) were organized
The events were poised toward showcasing the rich, unique and outstanding talents of Ndi Anambra in the creative industry to the world and what it can offer to the state and the nation’s economy.

The Anambra Arts and Crafts Mega Exhibition, titled, ‘Organic Innovative Solutions for Economic Prosperity’ was packed with lots of exquisite, rare, unique, and latest artworks and crafts in the state and beyond, which provided an opportunity to highlight the state’s distinguished and exceptional status in the visual arts.

The exhibition, which was organized by the Anambra State Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, in conjunction with the Society of Nigeria Artists (SNA) was held at the Oma Event Center (opposite Alex Ekwueme Square), Awka, from the 27th of September to 1st of October, 2023.

The event also featured a one-day colloquium on arts and crafts, on-the-spot blacksmithing, cultural performance, and choral rendition by the state’s Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism Choral Group.

The arrival of Mr. Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo CFR with his entourage to the scene, electrified the atmosphere and the mood of the exhibitors. It became glamorous when the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji took the governor around each stand where he appreciated and patronized the works of the exhibitors.

On the other hand, the second edition of Anambra Fashion Expo, AFE2023, titled, ‘Creativity Unleashed’ also brought a spotlight to the state’s fashion sector. The event, which kicked off on the 6th of October at the International Convention Center (ICC), Awka, had models of different genders, ages, ethnicities and sizes gracing the runway.

The two-day event was poised toward showcasing the state’s creativity, diversity, and innovation in the fashion industry, through the participation of various brands from within and outside the state at the event. It also featured a musical performance steered by “Apate” an upcoming artist.

The governor, who was in attendance with his wife, Nonye, implied that the fashion expo demonstrated the interest of the state in the fashion industry, which has a notable impact on the economy and culture. He called on the youth and everyone in the state to explore every opportunity offered in the creative economy and patronize “Made in Anambra or Nigeria products” as a means to boost the economy.

On her part, the convener of the Project, Ms. Adaora Soludo of AORA Brand, added that the fashion expo is an opportunity aimed at fostering collaboration between participants in the industry.

The climax of the event was the doling out of a whooping sum of one million naira to FP Design for emerging the winner of the best fashion design creator in the competition organized during the event.

*Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information