FG reiterates commitment on youth development

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lia Mohammed has restated the commitment of the Federal Government to create the needed platform for the youths to showcase their talents.

The Minister spoke at commencement of the ActionAid (AA) Nigeria’s “Art for Development Exhibition’’ in Abuja.

“The economic benefits from arts and crafts and their impact in breaking the cycle of poverty in transforming the quality of life by providing the bridge to self-sufficiency.

“One of the core mandate of the ministry is to provide the necessary platforms to showcase, promote, develop and protect the Nigerian cultural heritage.

“Hence the ministry is delighted to partner with the ActonAid Nigeria and other stakeholders in carrying out this mandate,’’ Mohammed said.

It was reported that the minister was represented by Mrs Grace Gekpe, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry.

Speaking earlier, the Country Director of AA Mrs Ene Obi said that the organisation over the years had engaged hundreds of talents and skills in the arts and crafts sector.

She explained that the organisation believed that when talents are properly utilised, it could become a source of livelihood and contribute to the economy of the nation.

“However, oftentimes, local artists have other sources of income because sales of artworks alone are unsustainable for their families. We have met good artists whose artworks sell for as low as two thousand naira only.

“Their professional counterparts in other countries could sell similar artwork for millions of naira because of the level of professionalism evident in the presentation of their final product.

“It is against this backdrop and the believe that Nigeria without poverty is possible that AA is organising this art and craft exhibition in collaboration with the ministry to showcase indigenous works of local artists across Nigeria.

“AA through this exhibition and auction looks forward to a time when artists from poor and excluded communities would have opportunities to also participate in national and international exhibition through sponsorship,’’ she said.