Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), has named the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Highness, Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe as its Grand Patron.
President of the group, Mohammad Suleiman announced this during a National Executive Council/Stakeholders Retreat held in Awka, where he presented an award plaque to the monarch.
The group described Achebe as one of the largest collectors of artwork in Nigeria, including the ownership of a museum, which is housed in his palace in the ancient city of Onitsha.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has assured the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) of support, while also pledging to continue to patronise their works.
Soludo whom was represented by the commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr Don Onyenji, at the event said the state has commenced plans to open up various tourists sites in the state as destinations for world tourism, just as he has been a lover of art and one of the biggest collectors of artwork in the state.
Speaking through Onyenji, Soludo said: “That you choose Anambra for this retreat speaks of the fact that we have lived up to our name as the light of the nation. We have been well disposed to the activities of SNA. We once hosted an art exhibition and invited SNA as a partner. It was a five-day event and the expenses were borne by the state government.
“The governor also bought millions of naira worth of art work and it shows that Anambra is a supporter of art. We are currently planning on how to boost the creative economy in Anambra State, because creatives are life of the society, and the state government is spending millions to develop tourist sites in the state, including the Ogba Ukwu Cave in Owerre Ezukala, Ogbunike Cave and many others, and once done, Anambra is going to be the destination of world tourism
Earlier, keynote speaker, Prof. Clifford Nwanna, a celebrated artist and sculptor, speaking under the theme: repositioning Nigerian art business: New directions for maximising profit, charged young artists to see their work as their meal ticket prioritise them by displaying them in places where those who consume art can always sight them.
The retreat also featured the exhibition of diverse artworks from established and upcoming artists, including works by Dr Tony Otikpa, a celebrated artist.
