Edo state cultural values and socio cultural contemporary governance policies on focus

As Edo state commissioner for Arts,Culture,Tourism and Diaspora affairs deliver a paper on cultural values and contemporary governance participants of institute of security studies (ISS) on a study tour to Edo state. Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero talked extensively on the cultural values, cultural heritage of Edo state as he relates to our contemporary governance policies.

 

The Honourable commissioner emphasized on Edo state cultural heritage that encapsulates bronze casting, art, craft works, coral beads, traditional attire, foods and our unique traditional institutions. Hon. Osaze appreciated the Oba of Benin, who is the coustodian of Edo culture, for his laudable policies aimed at promoting and substaining our culture.

 

Hon.Osaze noted that cultural values is the core principle and norms upon which a society exist, hence Edo state government has lay down laudable government policies aimed at the promotion of our cultural values as a people. Its also pertinent to note that government alone can’t do it, as he beckoned on all stakeholders to join in the move through cultural awarness.

 

The participants applauded the commissioner for an elaborate discussion on cultural valuee and contemporary values, as they noted that Edo state is renowed globally for our unique culture and the value we place on our traditional institution. The study tour of the institute of Security studies continued with the honourable commisioner leading participants on a visit to his royal majesty Omo’N Oba Oba Ewuare 11 in his palace.

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Edo State Government Mounts New Campaign: Oba of Benin, Obaseki to Build World-Class Museum to Fast-track Recovery of Looted Artefacts

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state government is working with the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, to build a world-class Royal Museum, to hold stolen artefacts being recovered by the Benin Kingdom.

Obaseki disclosed this when he hosted Prof. Nicholas Thomas of Cambridge University and Prof. Mrs. Annie Coombes of the University of London, both experts in Benin History, to a dinner, at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

The governor said the state government plans to work with the monarch to build the museum in the Oba’s Palace in Benin City, and counter the arguments of art collectors, who are still in possession of stolen artefacts from the Benin Kingdom and have maintained that the safety of the artifacts is not guaranteed if they are returned to the ancient Kingdom.

According to Obaseki, “The decision to establish a world-class museum at the Oba’s Palace, one of the safest places in the world, will encourage curators across Europe and in other parts of the world, to be confident and support the advocacy for the safe return of stolen artefacts of Benin Kingdom.”

He expressed appreciation to Prof. Nicholas Thomas and Prof. Annie Coombes, for their advocacy for the safe return of artefacts of the Benin Kingdom looted during the 1897 invasion.

He said, “We hope your experience in Benin City will encourage you to sustain the advocacy for the return of our stolen artefacts. When the artefacts are returned, they will assist generations yet unborn to understand who they are, as a people and how they have dominated this environment in the past.”

In his remarks, Prof. Nicholas Thomas, said his experience in Benin City was exciting as the visit gave him the opportunity to see first-hand, the place where the historic stolen artefacts are fashioned in Igun Street.

Prof Thomas said, “True knowledge about artworks is not in University museums but lies in the makers, creators, communities where these works are created.” He noted that the advocacy for the safe return of the stolen artefacts of the Benin Kingdom will be sustained until the artworks are safely returned.

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Edo State Renewed Calls for Return of Stolen Artefacts Intensifies

In campaigning for the renewed calls to return artefacts looted by the British from the Benin Empire in the late 18th century, the Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero, representing the Edo State Government, as part of his diaspora engagement and responsibility, paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Embassy in Berlin, Germany on April 3rd, 2018.

The delegation was well received by His Excellency, Hon Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigerian Ambassador to Germany. In a town hall meeting with Edos in the Diaspora, the Commissioner highlighted Governor Obaseki’s agenda for 2018, stating that the Governor was committed in making Edo State, a preferred tourist destination in Nigeria, to boost State economic development by creating jobs and promoting its rich cultural heritage. He also, commended the Oba of Benin Kingdom, Oba Ewuare II, for his visionary leadership in rebranding the image of Edo State to promote its rich cultural heritage and the tourism industry.

In his closing remarks, the Hon. Commissioner, thanked Edos in the diaspora, friends of Nigeria and Diaspora Ambassadors of Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs for hosting his visit and continued support, enthusiasm, dedication, passion and contributions at home and abroad, through their community initiatives, outreach programmes and innovation, saying “it has created more awareness about Edo State, as the heart beat of the nation”.

 

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Edo: Preferred Tourist Destination in Nigeria

Reposted from The Nigerian Observer

Edo, the heart beat of the nation is no doubt turning around the fortunes of the state as an industrial hub, from the old narrative of a civil servants state and this has been made possible with the reforms embarked upon by the governor Godwin Obaseki led administration in accommodating private sector investment inflows since inception two years ago.

Apparently concerned about improving the living standard of Edo people, the governor had disclosed in his 2018 budget presentation, that the government will consolidate on the gains made in wooing investors to the state and with this initiative, the state has been bombarded by enquiries from all over the world after the Alaghodaro investment summit. There was also the Edo Fest which exposed the numerous Arts, Culture and Tourism potentials in the state.

In the words of Governor Obaseki, “the Arts, Culture and Tourism sector is without contestation a heritage bequeathed to us by our fathers and a source of pride to every Edo man and woman. We are repackaging and rebranding the sector through Public Private Partnership to harness the job creating opportunities in the sector and raise the profile of our artists, entertainers, tour operators, destination managers and hotel owners in our overall desire to become the preferred tourist destination in Nigeria.”

We all know that Nigeria has no business being poor intellectually and creatively because of the vast natural resources abound across the country. But it is however sad, that the nation missed so many opportunities to harness the God gifts inherent in the vegetation, weather, rich cultural endowments and economic deposits that would have transformed her to be one of the developed nations amongst the comity of nations.

With the experiences of the past, it is obvious that there is the dire need for positive transformation in all sectors of the economy that had hitherto been neglected. But thank God for the recession which has made everyone to think outside the box. It has become necessary for government to focus on those productive areas that will diversify the economy in the area of agriculture, tourism potentials, solid minerals, the hospital industry and others to boost our revenue base.

It has been proved that we are a nation of skilled persons with abundant materials and natural resources and there is no way we ought to be in the league of poor nations struggling to survive, but for the lack of foresight of some past leaders in the corridor of power. Moreso, it has been observed more often that we should be a nation that will be involved in production, as improved productivity at all levels remains the key towards the attainment of the goals that will take our nation out of the economic quagmire we have found ourselves lately.

We know that a highly motivated work force and foresight by any leader would attain high productivity level. The history of Edo state can never be complete without talking about the Arts, Culture and tourism sector and if well articulated with the right personnel, the potentials are unimaginable.

It was with great delight that I stumbled on the Face book page of the Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture and tourism and discovered a lot of information about what the state government is doing in that sector. Exposed on the internet are the history of great Benin kingdom through wonderful bronze works of arts and the states tourism potentials.
In those days, there was no basic media to express what transpired at that time and the art works was the medium available and today the ministry has been able to document and preserve some of these art works for posterity.

It would be noted that after the invasion of the Benin Kingdom in 1897, majority of these art works were carted away by the invaders. Nevertheless, today, they sit as some of the greatest master art pieces in museums all over the world and I am sure that one of the briefs of the Hon. Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Osaze Osemwegie-Ero is to locate these historical landmarks and bring them back to where they rightly belong, Edo State.

From the performance of this commissioner which has been acknowleged by some members of the public, there is no doubt a new dawn and new dimension to the affairs of culture and tourism in the Diaspora. In a statement by the United Nations Amb and United State Ambassador at Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Amb. Princess Asha Okojie-Odigie, the Hon. Commissioner will be having a town hall meeting with Edo’s in Diaspora on April 3, 2018 in Berlin Germany.

“The town hall meeting for 7pm at the Kurfurstendamm 102,10711, Berlin, which will be intellectually engaging will be part of the Commissioner’s diaspora engagement and responsibility” Amb. Princess Okojie-Odigie stated, adding that, for more information, Barr. Efosa Ogieriakhi, the Edo State Ambassador to Germany should be contacted.

I understand that for effective and productive work to be done, Amb. Joe Ehigiamuso is representing London and Amb. Sylva Ibie represent Asia. Meanwhile, Edo people are witnessing the benefits of the Oba of Benin Kingdom, Oba Ewuare II who is seen as a vibrant, modern administrator who wants the progress and development for his subjects as well as his commitment to promote the tourism industry in the state……(All hail the king, Oba ghato kpere Ise).

In the same vain, all well meaning Benin sons and daughters in the country and in Diaspora should rally round the state government initiative to boost the art, culture and tourism sector.

~ Article by Eubaldus Enahoro is Assistant Editor with the Nigerian Observer

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Edo Government Revives Culture Clubs in Public Schools

Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero, has said the state government has commenced the process of reviving culture clubs in secondary schools across the state.

Hon. Osemwegie-Ero, who disclosed this during an interview with journalists in Benin City, said, “On February 26, culture clubs were inaugurated in secondary schools in Edo South at an event held at the Imaguero College, where over 380 students represented 50 schools from Edo South Senatorial District.”

“The children who attended the event learnt a lot. Prominent Palace Chiefs spoke to the children on the essence of learning about cultures. Children from four schools, who wrote essays on the theme of the 2017 Edo Fest: Arts, Culture: “Our Wealth” were rewarded and got to seat at the high table as measures to encourage them,” Ero said.

Noting that similar events are being planned for secondary schools in Edo North and Central districts, Osemwegie-Ero said, “Similar event will hold in Edo North at St. John Modern College, Fugar, on April 20, 2018. On the same day, there will be another event in Edo Central at Uromi Town Hall. Traditional rulers, Commissioners for Education and Youths, notable Edo artistes and other stakeholders in the arts and culture sector, will be at these events to encourage the students and add colour to the event.”

The commissioner said the Godwin Obaseki led-administration intends to inculcate cultural norms and values in children in secondary schools, noting, “This will be done in such a way that the children will grow up with our cultural norms and values.”

He noted, “It is unfortunate that many children can’t communicate in Edo languages and don’t understand cultural values. Children must be assisted to correct the trend.”

Osemwegie-Ero explained that the culture club activities will be introduced in secondary schools, adding, “We also plan to organise cultural competitions for the students where they will be rewarded. We intend to approach the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, to support the initiative, as he continues to demonstrate passion to promote the learning of cultural values.”

 

 

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Edo State Committed to the Promotion of Our Culture in Schools

As Commissioner For Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs attends Cultural day celebration of Gaius Obaseki Group of Schools, Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero recently attended the cultural day celebration of Gaius Obaseki group of schools, a private school located in Benin City.

The cultural day celebration showcased our rich culture and tradition as a people.
The commissioner who led other dignitaries to inspect various foods prepared by the students from different ethnic groups and culture, was very happy at the very rich display of culture by students.

Hon. Osaze thanked proprietor, teachers and parents for impacting in their children our culture and tradition,as he noted that Governor Godwin Obaseki is committed to the promotion of our culture and the teaching of our culture in schools, hence the recent inauguration of culture clubs in our Schools.

This was evident in the inaguaration ceremony of culture clubs in Edo south on the 26th February 2018 and plans are on the way for culture clubs to be inaugurated in Edo central and Edo north on the 20th April 2018.

This will help promote our cultural values through cultural competitions and celebrations, also will help government assist parents in teaching their children our cultural history, norms and values.

The properitor, Gaius Obaseki group of schools appreciated the honourable Commissioner for finding time to honour them with his presence, noting that this has clearly shown that Edo state is blessed with a commissioner of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora affairs who is so much committed to the promotion and sustainability of our culture.

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Tourism Boost in Edo: French Firm Leads Development of Sokponba Resort as Obaseki Okays Development of Tourism Masterplan

Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Disapora Affairs in Edo State, Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero, has said that all is set for the development of the Sokponba Resort as a French firm has indicated interest to lead the project.

Hon. Osemwegie-Ero disclosed this at the weekend during a chat with journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital. The Commissioner said the French company indicated interest to invest in the Sokponba Resort project, as the state government intends to attain some level of development at the Resort before the end of the year to create more awareness and attract even more investors for its development.

He said that the state is witnessing an influx of tourists since the rebranding of the tourism sector and opening up of more sites and tourists’ facilities. He added that last year’s EDO FEST and the opening of the tourists’ desks at the Benin Airport aided the increased interest in tourist sites across the state.

According to him, “After the successful hosting of the EDO FEST in December 2017, corporate organisations have indicated interest to be part of the 2018 edition. This will enable the state government host a bigger event this year. The state government plans to inaugurate a committee in May to begin preparation for the 2018 EDO FEST.”

He added that the Tourists’ Desks at arrival and departure lounges of the Benin Airport have aided the state government in attracting more tourists to the state, noting, “The ministry has continued to receive requests from visitors, who intend to visit different cultural sites in the state.”

He explained that the rationale for the Tourists’ Desks at the Airport is to create a platform for those who come to the state by air to see what tourist assets the state has to offer, adding, “It became necessary to communicate that we mean business when it comes to tourism. The state is blessed with several cultural heritage sites. Through the Information Desks, the state government has been able to showcase the state’s tourism potentials including different cultural sites, events and festivals.

Osemwegie-Ero explained that the Godwin Obaseki-led government intends to promote tourism by developing a tourism master plan for the state. He said a provision for this was made in the state’s 2018 budget, noting, “Consultants have been contacted to develop the plan, which will capture a list of tourist sites in the state and provide for routes and guides for tourists coming to the state.”

Noting that the new security architecture in the state would improve tourism, Osemwegie-Ero said, “Governor Obaseki’s synergy with the Police and other security agencies in the state has restored the confidence of tourists and investors who are now ready to come to Edo.”

Tourist Sites