An exhibition showcasing historical portraits, artifacts and paintings that chronicle Nigeria’s history from the 1914 amalgamation to independence in 1960, will debut in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Project Director, Mr Akin Laniyi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) last Friday in Abuja.
Tagged ‘Nigeria 1914’, the exhibition is themed: “The Story of Nigeria’s birth, history, milestones and icons” is scheduled to hold from October 1 to October 8 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Laniyi said the project was part of events scheduled to commemorate Nigeria’s 62nd independence anniversary and it had received the endorsement and support of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture and other relevant stakeholders.
“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, Nigeria 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 eight days at the Transcorp Hilton, 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 has been titled and named after a reputable foundation for good cause in Nigeria to encourage and appreciate their work, especially in education.
“The exhibition will host the public and dignitaries from all works of life, with Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed as the Special Guest of honour,” he said.
Laniyi explained that Nigerian artistes drawn from across the country, including Kola Ogunwale, and many others would have their iconic pictures and paintings showcased at the exhibition.
According to him, members of the diplomatic community, top government functionaries, patriotic Nigerians drawn from both the public and private sector and stakeholders in the creative industries will attend the exhibition.
He said special guests expected to visit the exhibition include former president Goodluck Jonathan, former vice president Atiku Abubakar, Mr Jide Adeniji and Prince Arthur Eze as the Grand Patron of the exhibition.
Others are the Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Alhaji Nura Kangiwa and that of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, among others.
He added that since the project was geared towards promoting national unit and common history, the exhibition would also be staged around major cities in Nigeria including Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagos.
Laniyi further said that plans were underway to take the exhibition on a global tour 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.
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