Expert urges government to invest in art, culture, tourism to boost economy

Former Dean of Art, Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Kunle Adeyemi, has urged the government to invest more in arts and culture to boost the economy.

Adeyemi, who stated this at a Virtual Art Exhibition dedicated to the 65th birthday and retirement of a former Provost of Federal College of Education (FCE), Osiele, Abeokuta, Dr Kunle Filani, noted that Nigeria should take a cue from other African countries whose major revenue are from the art, culture and tourism sector.

He lamented that arts are not being projected in many secondary schools run by the government, noting that the development of art education and its practices must be harnessed and developed for the good of the country and its citizenry.

Adeyemi urged the government to engage professionals, who are passionate in the field to harness the values in the sector, noting that this will provide jobs for the youths.

On his part, Provost, FCE (Technical), Akoka, Lagos, Dr Wahab Azeez, described Filani, as a great artist and scholar, who has the interest of people at heart.

Azeez said, “Filani whom we are celebrating today can be best described as a great artist, teacher of all teachers, and an administrator of note.

“FCE Technical, Akoka is not just hosting this event, but partnering with lots of other organisers who are also identifying with Filani to give him his well-deserved honour.’’

Dr Babasehinde Ademuleya of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, who delivered a lecture titled, Kunle Filani: The Man, His Heart And His Art, described Filani as someone naturally endowed with innate creative tendencies.

‘‘ Filani is known to possess two opposing characteristics: Restlessness and patience. One may wonder how a restless person could as well be patient. Filani’s restlessness does not connote a lack of patience, but rather that of ‘inquisitiveness’. His restlessness is borne out of his thirst for knowledge and the eagerness in disseminating the knowledge acquired.’’

He added that Filani is the Founding President of Culture and Creative Art Foundation, a non-governmental and non-profit making organisation that sought to sensitise the world on the richness and diversity of African culture.

While appreciating Azeez and the management of FCE (T), Akoka, Filani said, “Words cannot be enough to express my joy today, the affection of mankind towards me on my 65th birthday is wonderful, thank you all for this respected honour.”