ANAMBRA HOLDS COMPETITION FOR SCULPTORS

ANAMBRA HOLDS COMPETITION FOR SCULPTORS

Anambra State has organized a competition for sculptors with a promise to initiate more programmes to engage youths to extract the best in them.

Governor Willie Obiano, who made the promise at the Kenneth Dike Library, Awka, at the weekend during an art exhibition organized by the Ministry of Youth Entrepreneurship and Creative Economy in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, Diaspora Affairs and Indigenous Artworks, said the state recorded the lowest crime rate in the country because youths were meaningfully engaged and empowered for self-sustenance.

The governor, who was represented on the occasion by the Commissioner for Environment, Michael Okonkwo, disclosed that the state was about to create an innovation centre. He said that the innovation centre would help people who have talents in technology and the like to develop and contribute to the development of the state.

The state Commissioner for Youth Entrepreneurship and Creative Economy, Bonaventure Enemali, said the art exhibition was the maiden event and first of its kind in Anambra State, pointing out that the idea was to provide a veritable platform for the youths to deploy their talents meaningfully.

Enemali said about 30 sculptors from various universities across the country participated in the art exhibition but the first five best artworks were carefully selected for state recognition and awards. The commissioner, however, tasked youngsters to discover and develop their natural potential; adding that his ministry would always provide the avenue for them to reach their zenith.

Also in her remarks, Commissioner for Culture, Tourism, Diaspora Affairs and Indigenous Art Works, Sally Mbanefo, said the essence of the art exhibition was to start with the youths in line with the governor’s disposition on youth development.

Chief Youth Development Officer in the Ministry of Youth Entrepreneurship and Creative Economy, Mrs Chito Osili, said the governor has beautified Anambra State and also empowered youths to bring out the best in them.

On the other hand, winner of the first position in the art exhibition, Collins Asiegbu, thanked Obiano for providing the enabling environment for youths to deploy their talents meaningfully, noting that the recognition accorded him by the Anambra State government was ground-breaking for him.