Gombe expresses readiness to partner gallery of arts to harness cultural heritage
Gombe State Deputy Governor, Manasseh Daniel Jatau (left) receiving souvenirs from the DG, National Gallery of Arts, Mr Ibetan Williams Ivara.
By Akanji Alowolodu, Gombe
Gombe State Government has expressed it’s readiness to partner with the National Gallery of Arts towards harnessing the rich cultural heritage embedded in the sector and abundantly available in the state.
State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, expressed the State Government’s position when he received officials of the National Gallery of Arts, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Abuja, on a courtesy visit on Thursday.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Mannasah Jatau, the Governor said the APC led administration was ready to explore the inherent arts and cultural values as a means of diversifying the economy in view of the need to provide alternative means of income.
He described the visit to Gombe State as the right step in the right direction as it will provide opportunity for collaboration in revamping the cultural sector towards socioeconomic development of the State.
He informed the delegation that the Gombe State’s 10-Year Development Plan aptly captured the place of arts and culture and its planned projections from 2021-2030. He assures the delegation of the administration’s commitment to collaborate by way of learning, listening and doing everything possible to ensure successful implementation of the plan.
He expressed optimism that, if properly implemented, the plan would help in reducing unemployment, boost agricultural and economic activities and enhance the general livelihood of the people of Gombe State.
The Governor then appreciated the citing of the North-East Zonal Office of the National Gallery of Arts in Gombe, pledging to expedite approval of the Certificate of Occupancy for the piece of land already allocated to them and assist in anyway possible for smooth take off of the zonal office.
Speaking earlier, the Director General, National Gallery of Arts, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture. Mr. Ibeten Williams Ivara, told the Deputy Governor that galleries and museums have demonstrated ample capacity to stimulate economic activities through economic empowerment, job creation and income generation for the government and people.
He also said that, the National Gallery of Arts has an office in the state, and that the visit was to appreciate the contributions of the Governor towards establishment of the office, describing the development as a major stride in the promotion of the creative arts sub sector of the Nigerian economy and Gombe state in particular.
The DG appealed to the Government to kindly approve a temporary office building to site the North East Zonal Office pending when they will have adequate budgetary provision for the NGA to build a befitting office accommodation.
He also commended the commitment of a board member of of the National Gallery of Arts representing the Northeast zone who is also from Gombe State, Mrs Finney David, for her efforts in the activities of the Gallery in the State.