The federal government has nominated Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to lead the Nigerian delegation to the 60th International Art Exhibition organised by La Biennale di Venezia and taking place in the Veneto region of Italy from April 16 to 18, 2024.

Obaseki was nominated due to the state’s landmark successes in promoting the rich culture, arts, and heritage and advancing the economic potential of tourism in Edo State.

According to the state government, the governor will be the Commissioner of the Nigerian Pavilion at the exhibition.

“Edo State and its capital city, Benin City, have been a main heritage and cultural artistic hub in Nigeria for centuries and Governor Godwin Obaseki has a strong desire to support arts and culture.”

“The government of Edo State is planning to develop a cultural district in the centre of Benin City. The cultural hub is intended to span a large expanse of land that will bring in new structures and also accommodate existing ones such as the National Museum Benin City. The development of the cultural district is intended to expand the cultural and creative industries to attract tourists to the country, the federal government noted in its letters to the organisers to nominate Governor Obaseki.

The Board of the Museum of West African Arts alongside the President of the Veneto region, will receive the delegation and guide Governor Obaseki and his team on a tour of the Nigerian Pavilion and Art Exhibition.

“This is the very first time a sub-national is leading the Nigerian delegation to such an event. The Veneto region is the wealthiest and most productive region in Italy with one of the highest gatherings of people of African descent.

“Edo intends to learn from The Veneto development model that is characterised by strong export-oriented entrepreneurship in traditional economic sectors.

“The Edo State Government will collaborate with the government of the region via the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to foster Sociocultural and Economic partnership that will be beneficial to the improved growth, development, and productivity of Edo State,” the organisers said.

The partnership, according to the organisers, will further facilitate cooperation in technical and vocational training, advance opportunities in the agricultural sector, enhance information technology capacity, promote tourism, increase economic opportunities in the textile industry, and promote social and cultural relationships between both countries.

The eight artists to be featured in the group exhibition are Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Ndidi Dike, Onyeka Igwe, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Abraham Oghobase, Precious Okoyomon, Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, and Fatimah Tuggar.