The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu , SAN has brought about a major revival in the state’s Arts and Culture industry, culminating in the sterling performance of the state’s Cultural troupe in regional and national competitions.
Yemi Olowolabi, Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism stated this in Lagos last weekend at the just concluded Lagos Book and Arts Festival, LABAF, which was organised by the Committee for Relevant Arts CORA.
Olowolabi who was the special guest of honour at the event later spoke to journalists at the Wole Soyinka’s Gallery, Freedom Park, praised the Governor’s commitment to the arts which he said ” has ignited a fire of revival in the Arts and Culture industry in Ondo State.
“In the last two and half years, we have moved from zero to hero in the nation’s arts consciousness. Unarguably today, we are in the forefront in the south west and of course, we have become a force to be reckoned with at the national level, going by our exploits in the recent National Festival of Arts and Culture which took place in Benin.
“Our Governor also Introduced and supported the annual Festival of Arts , ARTFEST which was premiered last year. We are currently preparing for this year’s edition; all thanks to Arakunrin’s commitment to the creative sector” Olowolabi pointed out.
Jahman Anikulapo, LABAF project director described Ondo State as “richly endowed with beautiful Cultural landscape and incredible talents”.
The weeklong festival which featured film screening, symposia, stage performances, book reading, lectures and other literary activities climaxed with a riveting concert at the amphitheatre of the historic Freedom Park.