The Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), has named the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Highness Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, as its Grand Patron.
President of the group, Mohammad Suleiman announced this during a National Executive Council/Stakeholders Retreat held in Awka, where he presented an award plaque to the monarch.
The group described Achebe as one of the biggest collectors of artwork in Nigeria, noting that he also owns a museum which is housed in his palace in the ancient city of Onitsha.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has assured the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) of support, while also pledging to continue to patronize their works.
Soludo who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr Don Onyenji, said the government has commenced plans to open up various tourists sites in the state as destinations for world tourism.
Speaking through Onyenji, Soludo said: “That you chose Anambra for this retreat speaks of the fact that we have lived up to our name as the light of the nation.
“We have been well disposed to the activities of SNA. We once hosted an art exhibition and invited SNA as a partner. It was a five-day event and the expenses were borne by the state government.
“The governor also bought millions of naira worth of art work and it shows that Anambra is a supporter of art. We are currently planning on how to boost the creative economy in Anambra State, because creatives are the life of the society, and the state government is spending millions to develop tourist sites in the state, including the Ogba Ukwu Cave in Owerre Ezukala, Ogbunike Cave and many others, and once done, Anambra is going to be the destination of world tourism.”;
Earlier, keynote speaker, Prof. Clifford Nwanna, a celebrated artist and sculptor, speaking on the theme, ‘Repositioning Nigerian art business: New directions for maximizing profit’, charged young artists to see their work as their meal ticket.
He advised them to prioritize their works by displaying them in places where those who consume art can always sight them.
The retreat also featured the exhibition of diverse artworks from established and upcoming artists, including works by Dr Tony Otikpa, a celebrated artist.
