The Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) has opened an in-terminal art gallery as part of activities to commemorate its 16th anniversary. The opening, attended by aviation enthusiasts, artists, and top industry players, witnessed a showcase of art works, ranging from paintings, sculptures to photographs and installations. The artworks depicted Africans, leisure, women, and commentaries on the society.
Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Dr Wale Babalakin, said his mandate was to create an enabling environment for air travellers using the facility.
Babalakin said: “The idea is to uplift the standard, with hope that anybody who wants to build an airport tomorrow will have all these standards incorporated into their airports,” he said
He added that the exhibition was a testament to BASL’s commitment to promoting creativity and providing a world-class airport facility. Art Curator, Wilson Agu, noted two basic aspects of the arts – data profiling clientele of celebrities, and art promoters and a generality of art where people can interact and update themselves with artistic interests.
Agu added that the aim of opening a gallery is to promote arts, culture, innovation, and having a platform for young people to interact with their collectors, connoisseurs of art, the enthusiast and also to project art forward. He noted that women are associated with inspiration, as a unique gender, noting that the first appreciation of humanity must start with women.
Agu said: “MMA2 is a unique place, and a pacesetter. It’s the first of its kind in the country. The airport is a peculiar facility; a welcoming space for everyone. So, it ought to be the foremost projector of our culture, which is meant to be the parlour of the country and the state. The aim is to have a platform where art can live, thrive, and interact with people,” he said.
