Obaseki leads Nigerian delegation to Italian art exhibition

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has been selected as the Nigerian Pavilion Commissioner for the 60th International Art Exhibition organised by La Biennale di Venezia. Leading a delegation from Nigeria, Governor Obaseki will attend the exhibition in the Veneto region of Italy from April 16 to 18.

In a statement released by the state government on Saturday, it was announced that Governor Obaseki was chosen by the federal government to head the delegation due to Edo’s commendable efforts in promoting Nigeria’s culture, arts and heritage.

During the exhibition, Governor Obaseki and the Nigerian delegation will be received by the board of the Museum of West African Arts and Luca Zaia, the President of the Veneto region, at the Nigerian pavilion.

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

This is the very first time a sub-national is leading the Nigerian delegation to such an event. The Veneto region is about the wealthiest and most productive region in Italy, with one of the highest gatherings of people of African descent,” the statement reads.

“Edo intends to learn from the Veneto development model, which is characterised by strong export-oriented entrepreneurship in traditional economic sectors.”