Usoro Uso: Gov Udom Tasks Ak Arts And Culture Ministry On Proper Usage Of Rafia Works (Photos)

By Michael Ufot

Governor Udom Emmanuel has challenged the State Ministry of Arts And Culture to promote the cultural heritage of the state through prompt usage of raffia works.

The Governor gave the challenge while delivering his speech at the official opening ceremony of Usoro Uso, an exhibition of contemporary Nigerian Arts and Crafts, held at Ibiobio Union Museum, Unity Park, Uyo yesterday.

According to him, the Ministry of Arts and Culture must encourage greater production of raffia bags, shoes and belts made in the state to serve as an identity to visitors of the State.

He said the raffia works done in Ikot Ekpene have attracted National attention to the state and vowed to maintain the tempo beyond his administration.

Governor Emmanuel recalled the skills and intricate portrait works in Ikot Ebekpo, Onna local government and promised to bring experts that will refine clay into tiles, ceramic and other valuables.

While commending the staffers of the Ministry for their efforts and cooperation toward the success of the event, the Governor called on youths to make good use of the exhibition and display their artistic skills to earn a living.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Culture and Tourism Mr. Victor Antai said the exhibition is an alternative privilege to exhibit the superlative works of Akwa Ibom Artistic and craftsmen to the nation and beyond by the Ministry.

He said the decision of hosting the event at the Museum was in line with the continuity developmental project philosophy of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

He recalled that the Museum was the brain child of former Governor Victor Attah which was later abandoned for ten years, adding that he has given the place a face lift.

While describing the State as a preferred tourism destination in Nigeria, Mr. Antai promised to sustain the momentum by hosting world class art, culture and tourism events in the Museum on a regular basis.

In his goodwill message, the erstwhile professor of Arts, Bruce Onobrakpeya expressed joy over the revamping of cultural heritage in the state.

He described Arts as one of the pillars of development in the country, noting that arts has played a major role in human existence.

The event featured exhibition of different artistic works by Artists in and outside the State, cultural dance etc.
Those that graced the event were former Governors of the State, celebrities, Artists, State Executive Council among others.

June 10, 2017