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Gov. Otti Unveils Bold Vision for Creative Economy as Canvas & Culture Festival Showcases the New Abia
Gov. Otti Unveils Bold Vision for Creative Economy as Canvas & Culture Festival Showcases the New Abia
— Positions Arts, Culture as New Frontiers for Youth Empowerment and Economic Growth
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The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to harnessing the immense potential of arts, culture and the creative economy as strategic pillars for youth empowerment, tourism development and sustainable economic growth, describing the sector as a vital component of his vision for a prosperous and globally competitive New Abia.
The Governor made the commitment while declaring open the Canvas & Culture Art Festival 2026, themed “Defining Us: The New Abia,” held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia to commemorate World Art Day. The festival brought together government officials, artists, students, educators, cultural advocates and creative industry stakeholders in a colourful celebration of artistic excellence, cultural heritage and innovation.
Represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, Governor Otti described art as one of humanity’s greatest instruments for preserving identity, promoting unity and inspiring innovation, stressing that the festival was a celebration of the values, traditions and aspirations that define the people of Abia State.
“Today, we gather not only to appreciate artistic excellence but also to celebrate the stories, traditions, values and aspirations that shape who we are as a people.
“Art remains one of the most powerful expressions of human identity. It preserves our heritage, inspires innovation, fosters unity and provides a platform through which communities tell their stories to the world,“ the Governor said.
Governor Otti noted that beyond showcasing creative talents, the festival provides an opportunity for reflection on the rich cultural heritage of the state while encouraging greater appreciation of the arts as a catalyst for social cohesion and economic transformation.
He commended the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Doc Matthew Ekwuribe, alongside the management of House of Crystal Empire, for conceptualizing and organizing the festival, describing the initiative as a significant contribution to strengthening Abia’s cultural ecosystem.
According to him, such programmes create opportunities for learning, collaboration, talent discovery, investment and economic advancement within the creative industry.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s determination to continue supporting initiatives that preserve the state’s cultural heritage, nurture emerging creative talents and position Abia as a preferred destination for creativity, culture, tourism and investment.
Encouraging participants to maximize the opportunities provided by the festival, Governor Otti said, “Let us celebrate our diversity, embrace our shared values and continue to tell our stories with pride and confidence.“
He further observed that the festival serves as a platform for creative engagement, cultural exchange and the promotion of Abia’s rich artistic heritage while inspiring a new generation of young creatives to contribute meaningfully to the development and global visibility of the state.
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Doc. Matthew Ekwuribe, highlighted the remarkable transformation taking place across Abia under Governor Otti’s administration, particularly in the areas of tourism, cultural preservation and creative enterprise development.
He disclosed that the Ministry has successfully identified more than 55 viable tourism and cultural sites across the state for development and is working closely with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) to upgrade key tourism assets, including the National War Museum, Ojukwu Bunker, Azumini Blue River and Iwollo Waterfall.
Ekwuribe explained that the theme of the festival, “Defining Us,” reflects the urgent need to preserve the state’s cultural identity, indigenous languages and cherished traditional values. He called on Abians, especially the younger generation, to proudly embrace their heritage while contributing to the growth of the creative industry.
According to the Commissioner, the creative economy has evolved into one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors, contributing significantly to economic growth, innovation, tourism development and cultural diplomacy, making continuous investment in the sector both strategic and necessary.
Describing the festival’s competition as an investment in the future, Ekwuribe stated that the students’ art competition and the innovative “Waste-to-Art” initiative were deliberately designed to promote creativity, innovation, environmental sustainability and artistic excellence among young people.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of House of Crystal Empire, Mr. Chimdindu Onyekwelu, encouraged participants, particularly students, to remain focused on their aspirations and never give up on their creative dreams.
“Your dreams are valid. You are enough. Keep putting in the work, and at the right time, the results will come,“ he said, noting that the festival was conceived over a year ago and became a reality through dedication, persistence and collaboration.
In her keynote presentation, Miss Chiagoziem Orji emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for young people to discover, nurture and express their talents through the arts, stressing that creativity remains a powerful tool for cultural promotion, social development and economic empowerment.
The festival featured an impressive array of activities, including art exhibitions, cultural displays, dance performances, expert art talks and engaging panel discussions on contemporary art and emerging opportunities within the creative economy. Secondary school students also participated in competitive categories such as drawing, painting, mixed media and the innovative “Waste-to-Art” challenge, showcasing remarkable creativity and ingenuity.
Adding a unique touch to the event, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, and his amiable wife, Her Excellency, Mrs. Adaeze Chidera Emetu, demonstrated their artistic abilities by participating in creative activities, drawing admiration from attendees.
The well-attended festival attracted top government functionaries, including the Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism and Entertainment, Hon. Martins Okechukwu Justice; the Director General of the Abia State Orientation Agency (ABSOA), Lady Ure Abazie; the Director General of the Abia State Strategic Communications Bureau, Barr. Onyemachi Ememanka; Permanent Secretaries, traditional rulers, artists, educators, students and cultural advocates from across the state, further underscoring the growing importance of arts and culture in Governor Alex Otti’s vision of building a vibrant, economically
prosperous and culturally rich New Abia.