Embrace tourism initiatives, Obaseki raps talented youths

 BY ORJI ONYEKWERE

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has urged youths with creative ideas to key into the various initiatives and opportunities provided by the state government to develop, promote and bring their ideas to reality.

The Governor made the call on Friday while flagging off the runway show of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria FADAN, Edo State chapter, held at Igbinedion Round Hall, Benin City.

The governor who spoke through the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Uyi Oduwa Malaka, encouraged the fashion artists and other creators especially youths, to embrace the various initiatives his administration had put in place in the creative space through the Ministry adding that government will continue to provide opportunities for young entrepreneurs to excel in tourism, arts and culture.

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He noted that, “Government is in the business of creating an enabling environment for people to thrive and showcase their talents. I urged youths not to limit themselves but be determined to explore and exploit various opportunities in the country”

“I advise youths to come out and tap into some of the value chain empowerment programmes that have to do with creative arts and tourism, citing the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Sound Centre and Edo Innovation Hub as some of the iconic features of my administration that have put smiles in the faces of young people”, he said.

The Governor who got a recognition award for excellence in governance urged talented youths to come forward with their creative ideas, noting that the government will continue to support and encourage them.

The event held in collaboration with the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism featured runway of bespoke wedding outfits and other dresses that drew applauses from the audience which included the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, grand patron of FADAN, Edo State chapter, representative of the State Commissioner for Education, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, Iryn Omorogiuwa Esq., Nollywood Ambassador Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, fashion lovers, the academia, the clergy, government officials, art and media practitioners, actors and film makers as well as secondary school pupils.

The event featured exhibitions from different fashion houses and cultural display from the Edo State Art Council was aimed at promoting creativity and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians with emphasis on the need to patronise made in Nigeria products to grow the Nigerian economy.