OMO-ADE Applauds Abiodun for Driving Arts, Culture, Creative Economy at Artnovation Launch

 

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Alhaji Yisa Ismaila Adebayo, popularly known as Omo-Ade, has commended the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, for his sustained commitment to the promotion of arts, culture and the creative economy in Nigeria.

Alhaji Adebayo gave the commendation on Monday, December 15, 2025, following the official launch of Artnovation: Afro-Italian Renaissance (AAR) Exhibition held at the Italian Consulate in Lagos, which was attended by Governor Abiodun.

Describing the governor’s presence and endorsement of the initiative as timely and visionary, Omo-Ade said the Abiodun administration has consistently demonstrated that creativity, culture and indigenous enterprise can serve as powerful tools for economic growth, youth empowerment and international collaboration.

“The governor’s passion for arts and culture is evident in his policies and actions. By supporting initiatives like Artnovation, Prince Dapo Abiodun is not only preserving our heritage but also positioning Ogun State as a major hub in Nigeria’s creative economy,” Adebayo said.

At the event, Governor Abiodun formally endorsed the Artnovation initiative as a strategic platform to expand Ogun State’s creative economy while strengthening cultural and economic ties between Ogun State and the Italian Republic. The exhibition featured prominently original àdìrẹ fabrics from Ojude Aso, one of the newly established stores at the recently revamped Olumo Rock Tourism Complex in Abeokuta.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, the governor stated that creativity remains a key driver of economic diversification, job creation, tourism development and sustainable revenue generation. He noted that Ogun State’s investments in arts, culture and indigenous enterprises — including the revitalisation of Olumo Rock and the promotion of Adire — are already yielding positive results.

Governor Abiodun further disclosed that through strategic partnerships with the Italian Consulate in Lagos and the Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI–Solution17), Ogun State is well positioned to play a leading role in shaping Nigeria’s creative economy and exporting its cultural assets to the global stage.

The Artnovation launch also featured the unveiling of the Afro-Italian Art Exhibition by renowned master artist, Tola Wewe, alongside vibrant runway showcases, poetry readings and musical performances that celebrated the fusion of African and Italian creativity.

One of the major highlights of the event was the announcement that Ogun State will be showcased at the prestigious Milan Design Week 2026. According to stakeholders, this development represents a significant milestone that will enhance global visibility for Ogun State, open new trade and investment opportunities, and deepen cultural and economic collaboration between Ogun State and Italy.

Alhaji Adebayo concluded by urging stakeholders, artists and the private sector to continue supporting the Abiodun-led administration’s creative initiatives, noting that culture-driven development remains a sustainable pathway to economic prosperity and global relevance for Ogun State and Nigeria at large.