Why Obaseki will lead Nigeria’s delegation to Biennale Arte 2024

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, was nominated by the Federal Government to lead the Nigerian delegation to the Biennale Arte 2024 due to his government’s landmark successes in promoting the state’s rich cultural assets, arts, and heritage, as well as advancing the economic potential of tourism in the state and Nigeria.

The governor is expected to be in the Veneto region of Italy from today, April 16 to 18 2024, and will be serving as the Commissioner of the Nigerian Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition (Biennale Arte) organised by La Biennale di Venezia.

In a letter to the organisers and the Italian Government to nominate Obaseki to the global event, which is one of the world’s most prestigious cultural art exhibitions, the Federal Government said that Obaseki’s bold and transformative reforms in Edo’s arts and culture sector is in line with its quest to revitalise the cultural sector, as the main revenue generator for the country.

The letter reads: “We would like to propose Edo State Government as the Commissioner for the Nigerian Pavilion and would like to respectfully put forward Governor Godwin Obaseki to be the Commissioner of the Nigerian Pavilion at the Biennale Arte 2024.

“Edo State and its capital city, Benin City, have been a main heritage, cultural artistic hub in Nigeria for centuries, and Obaseki has a strong desire to support arts and culture.

“In support of this centuries-old arts and culture tradition, the government of Edo State is planning to develop a cultural district in the centre of Benin City. The cultural hub is intended to span a large expanse of land that will bring in new structures, and also accommodate existing ones, such as the National Museum, Benin City.

“The development of the Cultural District is intended to expand the cultural and creative industries to attract tourists to the country.”

The Federal Government further noted that this giant move is in tandem with its quest to revitalise the cultural sector, as the main revenue generator for the country. These plans are also being supported by other stakeholders and partners.

The governor will, as part of activities lined up for the event, sign an agreement with the Italian Government to foster socio-cultural and economic relationships that will be beneficial to the improved growth, development, and productivity of Edo State and Italy.