ACETNEWS
Benin City is seeking to strengthen its position as a major cultural tourism destination, using its rich history, traditional institutions and growing creative activities to attract visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.
The Edo State capital is promoting a series of cultural events and exhibitions in November as part of activities surrounding the 10th coronation anniversary of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II.
The initiative is also aimed at presenting the ancient city as an alternative destination for visitors who traditionally travel to Lagos for end-of-year entertainment and cultural activities.
The Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Tourism and Creative Economy, Anto Lecky, said the programme would showcase Benin City’s cultural identity while highlighting its growing presence in contemporary arts, literature and entertainment.
Activities marking the monarch’s anniversary have included food festivals, art and photography exhibitions, a trade fair, cultural performances, sporting events and a musical concert featuring entertainers such as Shallipopi, Hammerboi and Young Bolivia.
An exhibition of returned Benin artefacts and a grand reception are also among the events scheduled to conclude the anniversary celebrations.
The November cultural calendar features several events, including the Exposed! Visual Storytelling Conference, scheduled to hold from November 2 to 4. The programme will include an exhibition of works by beneficiaries of the Tell That Story and Fujifilm Visual Storytelling Grants.
The Benin Art Fair, themed “Art in the Ancient City”, is scheduled for November 5 to 8 and will honour Princess Elizabeth Akenzua Olowu, recognised as Nigeria’s first female bronze sculptor.
Another major attraction is the Black Muse Art Festival, organised by Angels and Muse, founded by Nigerian artist Victor Ehikhamenor. The festival will hold from November 7 to 10 under the theme, “For Those Who Astonish the Gods”.
Its programme will feature sculpture exhibitions, artistic installations, performances, film screenings and ecological activities.
The Benin Arts and Books Festival, scheduled for November 12 to 14, will explore the relationship between storytelling, cultural identity and community development.
Also on the calendar is Benin Tech Fest 2.0, scheduled for November 26, which will bring together technology enthusiasts, innovators, entrepreneurs and startups to discuss talent development and opportunities in the digital economy.
According to Lecky, the different events are intended to complement one another and give visitors varied reasons to explore the city.
“Lagos will continue to have its place. But Benin does not need to become Lagos to offer a memorable cultural experience. Its appeal lies in its royal heritage, artistic legacy and the contemporary communities building on both,” she said.
The cultural activities are expected to encourage greater participation among residents, attract domestic and international visitors and create opportunities for businesses and practitioners within the creative sector.
Beyond the November programme, Edo State is also looking towards December, when the traditional Omo N’Oba Annual Ugie, including the historic Igue Festival, will further showcase the customs and heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
Source: The Guardian
