The Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Edo Chapter has celebrated the golden jubilee of the University of Benin UNIBEN with a theme “50 Golden Strokes”.
The celebration which was held at the Ekenwan Campus of the University featured exhibition of art works and presentation of awards to outstanding artists and scholars in conjunction with the university’s Department of Fine and Applied Arts.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman, SNA Edo State Chapter Dr. Kennedy Eweka described University of Benin as the hallmark of art development in Nigeria and beyond hence the need to honour the citadel of learning in artistic style.
According to him “celebrating UNIBEN at 50 is synonymous with art development of not just Nigeria but Africa at large. UNIBEN has produced artists and scholars spread across various tertiary institutions in Nigeria. A statistic shows that UNIBEN has contributed a great percentage in the area of art and culture”.
Commending the SNA, the university’s VC, Prof. Lilian Salami said “the university was delighted to be accorded it’s honour in the area of art development and cultural renaissance in the country”.
The VC who was represented by the HOD, Mass Communication Dr. S.P Oliseh commended the executive council of SNA Edo state chapter for it’s exemplary leadership and for giving the younger artists mentorship and platform to showcase the beauties of their works.
Speaking further, Dr. Oliseh lauded the awardees for their hardwork and dedication to the development of art which qualified them for the honor while urging the upcoming artists to take after their footsteps.
While making his remarks, the HOD, Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Dr. Sam Ukweu commended SNA’s members and students of the department whose artistic works enriched the exhibition.
He however appealed to government and NGOs for more funding of art works and ensuring conducive environments for artists to thrive.
