An art exhibition tagged Nigeria 1914, which promises to communicate the story of Nigeria’s birth, history, milestones and icons, is set to debut on Oct. 1 in Abuja.
Mr Akin Laniyi, Project Director “Nigeria 1914″ , told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja the exhibition is 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 hold from Oct. 1 to Oct. 14 at the Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja,” he said.
He said the project was part of events to commemorate Nigeria’s 63nd independence anniversary, adding it has received the endorsement and support of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and other relevant bodies.
“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 hold 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, 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 of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa as the Special Guest of honour.
Laniyi added that Nigerian artistes 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 Nigeria 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 exhibition; trade fair and business forum would host guests from all background, including past and present leaders, inbound tourists, the diplomatic community, small and medium enterprises, the political class, and the general public.
