Akeredolu calls for promotion of indigenous arts, fashion product

Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has called for the promotion of indigenous arts and fashion products in order to enhance domestic economic development.

Akeredolu made the call on Thursday in Akure at the media launch of “Ondo Artfest’’.

Our correspondent reports that “Ondo Artfest’’ is an annual event to showcase the tourism potential of Ondo State, done in conjunction with Oshodi Arts Gallery.

The governor said that the event would allow Nigerians to appraise products coming from talents of local exhibitors and creative individuals within and outside the state.

He explained that the programme would encompass various segments of art, culture and tourism and urged the involvement of women in its various segments.

“Quite a number of our local attires can be showcased with our arts which will attract buyers if they are of quality. Let us promote what is African, what is ours,” he said.

Earlier, Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Olurimisi said the event provided awareness opportunity for citizens to see artwork and culture of the state.

He said it was also aimed at generating a financial forecast of over N100 million to enhance the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.

Also, Mr Oshodi Paul, Chairman, Oshodi Arts Gallery, said the festival was designed to promote cross-cultural awareness, socio-economic development, cultural diversity, job creation and foster intercultural relationships.

Oshodi added that the event which was the 2018 first edition would put together array of activities attracting more than 4,000 people.

“The annual ethno tourism carnival parade will also include trado-carnival floats from all the 18 local government areas of the state and all the arts, tourism and culture ministries in all the 36 states,’’ he said.

He said that activities such as agro-tourism, mountain racing, food and drink festival, face painting, fashion show and tourist site- seeing would be part of the festival.

Others according to him are Afro-modern fashion show carnival, book and literature as well as ethno tourism summit.