The Edo State Governor, Mr. 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 and advancing the economic potential of tourism in Edo State and Nigeria.

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

In a letter to the organisers and the Italian Government to nominate Governor Obaseki as the Commissioner of the Nigerian Pavilion and leader of the country’s delegation to the art festival which is one of the world’s most prestigious cultural art exhibitions, the Federal Government said Obaseki’s bold and transformative reforms in Edo’s arts and culture sector is in line with its quest to revitalize 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 from the Edo State Government 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 Governor 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, “This giant move is in tandem with the Federal Government's quest to revitalize 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 sociocultural and economic relationship that will be beneficial to the improved growth, development, and productivity of Edo State and Italy.

The partnership, according to the organizers, will further facilitate cooperation in technical and vocational training, advance opportunities in the agricultural sector, enhance Information Technology capacity, promote tourism, increase economic opportunities in the textile industry and promote social and cultural relationships between both countries.