Ogun State partners with Nike Art Gallery to set up an art gallery at Olumo Rock, aiming to boost tourism numbers significantly
The Ogun State Government has finalized plans to establish a vibrant art gallery at the iconic Olumo Rock Tourist Centre in Abeokuta through a collaborative effort with the renowned Nike Art Gallery.
Governor Dapo Abiodun announced this initiative on Wednesday during a meeting with the founder of the Nike Art Gallery, Chief (Mrs) Nike Davies-Okundaye, at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The governor expressed optimism that this strategic partnership will revitalize the state’s tourism sector, projecting a significant increase in tourist visits to Olumo Rock from the current 20,000 annually to over 100,000.
To facilitate this, Governor Abiodun has directed the conversion of the Events Center within the tourist site into an exhibition gallery for the Nike Art Gallery.
The Nike Art Gallery, established in Osogbo, Osun State, in 1983, boasts an impressive collection of approximately 8,000 diverse artworks by various Nigerian artists and provides training for numerous aspiring young performance artists and craftsmen.
During the meeting, Governor Abiodun also highlighted other initiatives aimed at boosting the state’s economy, including the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony for the world’s largest cotton and polyester processing factory at the Special Agro Processing Zone located at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu/Ilisan.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to perform the groundbreaking for this massive 400-hectare factory, which is projected to employ around 250,000 people daily.
Furthermore, Governor Abiodun detailed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in Iperu, including the construction of housing units, road reconstructions, and the establishment of essential facilities. He also acknowledged the Nigerian Air Force’s interest in establishing a base in the town to enhance security.
Chief (Mrs) Nike Davies-Okundaye expressed her delight and the readiness of her foundation to collaborate with the Ogun State Government in promoting Olumo Rock and other tourist attractions. She confidently stated that the new gallery would attract international dignitaries, similar to her gallery in Abuja, which has hosted numerous heads of state.
Governor Abiodun also reiterated his administration’s strong support for the Adire textile industry, including making its wear compulsory in the state and launching the Adire Ogun Digital Marketplace. Chief (Mrs) Nike Davies-Okundaye lauded these efforts, predicting that Adire would soon surpass Ankara and Dutch Wax in popularity.
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