Chosen by the Federal Government, Governor Godwin Obaseki will lead the Nigerian delegation to the 60th International Art Exhibition (Biennale Arte) organized by La Biennale di Venezia in Italy. Obaseki and his team are scheduled to be in the Veneto region of Italy from Tuesday, April 16 to 18, 2024.
This information was disclosed in a statement by the governor’s aide, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, on Thursday. According to a letter sent by the Federal Government to the event organizers and the Italian Government, Governor Obaseki was nominated as the Commissioner of the Nigerian Pavilion and the head of the country’s delegation to this esteemed cultural art exhibition.
The letter stated, “We propose Edo State Government as the Commissioner for the Nigerian Pavilion and recommend Governor Godwin Obaseki from Edo State Government to be the Commissioner of the Nigerian Pavilion at the Biennale Arte 2024.
Edo State and its capital city, Benin City, have a rich heritage in arts and culture, making them pivotal artistic hubs in Nigeria for centuries. Governor Obaseki has shown genuine commitment to supporting arts and culture in the region.
In continuation of this long-standing tradition, the government of Edo State plans to establish a cultural district in the heart of Benin City. This Cultural Hub aims to cover a significant area of land, accommodating both existing and new structures, including the National Museum Benin City.
The initiative to develop the Cultural District aims to expand the cultural and creative industries, drawing tourists to the country.
The Federal Government highlighted, “This significant step aligns with the government’s agenda to revitalize the cultural sector as a primary revenue source for the nation. Various stakeholders and partners are also supporting these initiatives.”
During the event, Governor Obaseki will engage in signing an agreement with the Italian Government to enhance socio-cultural and economic ties, benefiting the growth and productivity of Edo State and Italy.
This collaboration is set to boost cooperation in technical and vocational training, create opportunities in agriculture, improve Information Technology capabilities, drive tourism, enhance economic opportunities in the textile industry, and foster social and cultural bonds between the two nations.