63rd Independence Day: Art exhibition on Nigeria 1914 to debut October 1

An art exhibition tagged Nigeria 1914 to commemorate the 63rd Independence Day promises to communicate the story of Nigeria’s birth, history, milestones, and icons. It is set to debut on October 1 in Abuja.

Mr. Akin Laniyi, Project Director of “Nigeria 1914, told journalists on Monday that the exhibition in Abuja was expected to showcase historical portraits, artifacts, and paintings that chronicle the history of the nation from the 1914 amalgamation through the 1960 independence.

”Presenting Nigeria’s Diverse Opportunities, Potential, and Heritage on the Global Stage will take place from October 1 to October 14 at the Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja,” he said.

He said the project was part of events to commemorate Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary, adding it has received the endorsement and support of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy and other relevant bodies.

The “Nigeria 1914 Exhibition is a government-endorsed educational exhibition of pictures, portraits, artifacts, and paintings based on Nigeria’s history, milestones, icons, and culture from the 1914 amalgamation and through 1960 independence to more recent times.

“We felt that at a time like this, the country is in need of such a project because it will provoke our consciousness as a people to reflect on our great history and the much-needed social order.

“It will last for 14 days at the Jabi Lake Mall, starting on our independence day, and it is aimed at promoting our education, nationhood, and good things about us as a richly diverse people.

“Each day of the exhibition will present Nigeria’s great potential and diverse opportunities state by state and institution by institution to a diverse audience, and three regional festivals will be celebrated at the event.

The project director added that it would present a trade fair showcasing the best of Nigeria’s endowments and diversity from different states of the country and an economic forum where delegates and dignitaries from diverse sectors of the economy would interact.

According to him, the exhibition will host the public and dignitaries from all walks of life, with the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, as the Special Guest of Honour.

Laniyi added that Nigerian artists drawn from across the country would have their iconic pictures and paintings showcased at the exhibition.

“Members of the diplomatic community, top government functionaries, patriotic Nigerians drawn from both the public and private sectors, and stakeholders in the creative industries will attend the exhibition,” he said.

He noted that since the project was geared towards promoting national unity and common history, it had earlier been staged around major cities in the country, including Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Lagos.

He disclosed that plans were underway to take the exhibition on a global tour to Paris, Kuala Lumpur, Berlin, Sydney, New York, and Beijing, alongside the currently being produced Nigerian 1914 movie.

“It is to present Nigeria, her people, opportunities, and potential on the global stage through iconic pictures, paintings, artifacts, and portraits.

“The Nigeria 1914 project will expose the majesty of unknown aspects of the Nigerian story and way of life that will resonate and touch hearts and consciences all over the world unforgettably.

He said the Nigeria 1914 exhibition, trade fair, and business forum would host guests from all backgrounds, including past and present leaders, inbound tourists, the diplomatic community, small and medium enterprises, the political class, and the general public.