By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
Some stakeholders in art and culture have emphasised that art has the capacity to unite the nation because of its unique roles.
The stakeholders made the remarks on Saturday at the opening of an exhibition of artistic discoveries in painting by Samson Ekwubiri.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exhibition, which had the title: “My Journey”, is holding at the JT Gallery, Palms Shopping Mall, Ibadan.
The exhibition will run until Nov. 4, 2025.
The Curator of the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, Mrs Pamela Otuka, said visual arts were essential national resources.
Otuka, represented by a Deputy Director in the museum, Dr Oluyemi Olatunde, described artists as historians who preserved the past, communicators that unified the present and visionaries who inspired the future.
According to her, art is unity in diversity and a dynamic engine for economic growth.
Otuka also described art as an investment that could take the nation out of poverty.
“My Journey is not just a story but a profound artistic act of nation-building, a visual testament to Nigerian resilience, creativity and the power of the individual’s voice to contribute toward national development.
“I urge all of us to engage with such artistic work and recognise the vital role in supporting the creative future of the nation,” Otuka said.
Also, the Curator of Tunde Odunlade Arts and Culture Connexions, Ibadan, Prince Tunde Odunlade, emphasised that art was not idolatry but a mirror reflecting purpose.
“If you don’t have arts, it means you don’t have heart because art is the mirror that reflects our potency,” he said.
Odunlade said that art and culture generally had the potential to promote tourism and ultimately drive the creative economy.
“The nation’s cultural development is subject to collective efforts of all and sundry, including using all the tools at our disposal.
“Art must not be left out as a tool for nation-building, it is always at the threshold of history’.
“A society without art has no heart, a society without culture is a lunatic- asylum,” Odunlade said.
Odunlade further remarked that Nigerian arts and artists were among the best in the world, urging support for them to thrive.
“No artist has ever been appointed as Minister of Arts and Culture in this country.
“Are we saying there are no competent artists, who could use their creative efforts to move that sector forward?
“All hands must be on deck to utilise our art potential and move the industry forward,” he said.
Responding, Ekwubiri said that some of his paintings depicted tribal integration through inter-tribal marriages.
“I am trying to portray the fact that we can use marital integration from different ethnic groups to foster unity,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the paintings depicted dignity of labour among youths, discouraging get-rick-quick syndrome.
“We must all work hard to achieve our aims” he said.
Ekwubiri said the title of the exhibition showed that there were ups and downs in the journey of life.
According to him, it teaches that when one falls he/she can still rise again with determination and perseverance.
“As an artist, at a point I experienced artistic despondency. I was off creation of painting for over 17 years.
“I had my art works with which I travelled outside the country stolen, my room was burgled, the art works I came into the country(Malaysia) with, were carted away. Because of that, I was discouraged and struggled for 17 years.
“I never wanted to go into art again but during the COVID, art discovered me and I started again, and it has been a very wonderful journey so far.
NAN reports that some of the paintings also featured: “My passion, my blood – demonstrated by Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary; Solitude, Benin Dancers, August Meeting, Bachelor, Suitors, Arise My Love, among others. (NAN)
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