Abia Govt Reaffirms Commitment To Arts And Creative Economy, Explores Collaboration With British High Commission
The Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Mr. Mathew Ekwuribe, has reaffirmed the state government’s determination to fostering the arts, supporting artistic development, and creating platforms for artistic expression.
Mr. Ekwuribe who disclosed this at the National War Museum Umuahia when he received a delegation from the British High Commission led by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, emphasized Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation within the creative industries.
The Commissioner also outlined potential areas for collaboration between the British High Commission and Abia State, focusing on the growth of the creative industries. He emphasized the role of culture in international relations, promoting Abia State’s cultural heritage globally, and encouraging cultural exchanges with other states and countries.
He further revealed that his ministry is actively working on developing and implementing policies to support the arts, culture, and creative industries.
According to him, these policies aims to enhance cultural education and outreach, particularly among young people and underserved communities, ensuring broader public access to arts and culture.
Mr Ekwuribe also pointed out that his ministry is also leveraging the state’s cultural assets to boost tourism by promoting cultural festivals, heritage sites, and local crafts as tourist attractions as well as committed to supporting creative entrepreneurs through policies, funding, and infrastructure development.
In his response, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery praised the progress in resource management, digital compliance, and infrastructure under Governor Otti’s administration.
He pledged ongoing collaboration with Abia State in key areas such as trade, energy, transportation, technology, and manufacturing, all aimed at driving job creation.
The meeting also included a tour of the museum’s facilities and a musical performance by the staff of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy.
The former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika CFR (RTD), former Chief of Defence Logistics at the Defence Headquarters, Major General Eddy Atiegoba (RTD), Staff and Management from both the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy and the National War Museum were present during the visit.