A Nigerian-based organisation, the Centre for Afrikan Art and Design, has hosted an exhibition of African arts and paintings at the Accra City Hotel in Accra, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the continent.
The exhibition featured an array of paintings, crafts and other artistic works, highlighting the creativity and talent of African artists by two Nigerian exhibitors —Dr Ellis Oyekola, an artist and art historian and Tabitha Odigili, also a visual artist.
It was on the theme: “Traversing Borders; Artists Integration.”
The exhibition aimed to inspire dialogue, creativity and mutual understanding between the two nations, was graced by the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Moses Ifedayo Adeoye, who served as the Special Guest of Honour.
The event was well-attended, with art enthusiasts and collectors turning out to appreciate the diverse range of works on display.
Some of the artworks exhibited included "A Sister's Keeper", which explores the theme of human connection and relationships, and "The Yellow Bus", which represents the idea of shared experiences and encounters, among others.
Speaking at the event, the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Moses Ifedayo Adeoye, underscored the strong cultural bond between Nigeria and Ghana, describing it as "unbreakable".
He praised the collaboration between artists from both countries, saying it showcased African creativity and shared cultural heritage.
“This exhibition provides an important platform for dialogue, inspiration and mutual learning, a true reflection of the power of art to transcend boundaries, languages, foster sympathy and create a shared sense of identity and belonging,” he said.
Mr Adeoye said art is a powerful driver of national growth and development, citing Nigeria’s creative economy as a key sector for economic expansion, job creation, and international influence.
He noted that, in recognition of this potential, the Nigerian government has established the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and launched initiatives such as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture and the Creative Economic Development Fund to support the sector.
Mr Adeoye encouraged Ghanaians to visit Nigeria’s National Theatre in Lagos, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture, describing it as a symbol of the country’s commitment to the promotion of arts and culture.
Awareness
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Ms Odigili, an artist, said there was a need for more awareness creation of the role of art in society, stating that "it starts from individuals and extends to schools".
“We should appreciate what we have; foreigners rather come from abroad and they are the ones that appreciate our arts, but we ourselves tend to take for granted what we have.
If we continue to take for granted what we have, it's just a matter of time before they start going into extinction and we don't want that,” she said.
Ms Odigili stressed that governments should prioritise the art industry, providing support and resources for artists.
She suggested that governments could provide art materials, equipment and spaces for collaboration, citing the example of other countries where the art industry contributed significantly to the economy.
“We want to leave our art, our culture as legacies for our children and our children's children.
So, for example, the art show that we had today at a hotel like this they are also contributing.
“The government can also contribute to helping the artists.
This hotel did not collect a dime from us, that's not as if we didn't spend anything, but at least it lightens the burden on the artists,” she said.
