Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has said that his administration recognizes the immense potential of the creative industry as a driver of cultural preservation, youth empowerment, tourism, and economic development.
Governor Otti who stated this during the 2026 CANVAS Arts and Culture Day, organised by the Abia State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in collaboration with the House of Crystal Empire to commemorate the 2026 World Arts Day, held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, described art as one of the most powerful expressions of human identity.
The Governor said it celebrates the stories, traditions, values, and aspirations that have shaped the people.
“Art is one of the most powerful expressions of human identity. It is about celebrating the stories, traditions, values, and aspirations that have shaped us as a people,” he said.
The Governor represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, noted that arts and culture preserve people’s heritage, inspire innovation, foster unity, and provide a platform through which communities tell their stories to the world.
“By bringing together artists, students, cultural enthusiasts, and creative minds, you are helping to strengthen our cultural ecosystem and create opportunities for learning, collaboration, and economic growth in the state,” he said.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that showcase the richness of Abia’s heritage and the talents of its people.
“I encourage everyone present to take full advantage of the exhibitions, cultural displays, networking opportunities, and creative engagements that this festival offers,” he added.
The state Chief executive commended the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, as well as the Board and members of the House of Crystal Empire for their vision and collaboration in organising the festival.
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, said the arts and culture sector has witnessed remarkable transformation under Governor Alex Otti’s administration since 2023, noting that it was previously difficult to organise events of such magnitude in the state.
Hon. Ekwuribe disclosed that the ministry is collaborating with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) to revamp major tourism assets, including the National War Museum, Ojukwu Bunker, Azumini Blue River, and the Azumini Waterfall, among other tourist destinations across the state.
According to him, the government has identified over 55 viable tourist attraction sites and is gradually developing them to boost tourism and economic activities.
“The first assignment given to me by His Excellency was to tour the state, identify these locations, and determine the viable ones. We have completed that task and are now working on them one after another,” he said.
The Commissioner praised Governor Otti’s visionary and transformational leadership, describing the emergence of a new Abia as the result of bold reforms, purposeful governance, and a commitment to excellence.
He noted that the administration understands that the story of a people is told not only through infrastructure and economic indicators but also through culture, values, creativity, and artistic expression.
Speaking on the festival’s theme, “Defining Us,” Ekwuribe stressed the need for Abians, especially young people, to preserve their cultural identity and language.
“Our culture is our identity. We must continue to preserve our language, traditions, and values because they define who we are as a people,” he said.
The Commissioner emphasised that the creative economy has become a major driver of economic growth, tourism, innovation, empowerment, and cultural diplomacy across the world.
He described the arts competition for secondary school students as one of the highlights of the festival, noting that it provided a platform for young talents to express themselves through painting, drawing, waste-to-art creations, and other artistic media.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage, promoting artistic excellence, supporting creative talents, and positioning Abia as a leading destination for arts, culture, and innovation.
The Commissioner also commended the House of Crystal Empire, artists, educators, students, cultural advocates, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the festival.
“Together, through the power of arts and culture, we will continue to define our identity, showcase our heritage, inspire innovation, and build the new Abia envisioned by Governor Alex Otti,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the House of Crystal Empire, Mr. Chidindu Onyekwelu, applauded the collaboration between his organisation and the Abia State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy. He also commended the state government for prioritising the development of the arts and culture sector.
The event featured art exhibitions, displays of artworks by students from various schools, and an inspection of the artworks by Governor Alex Otti, represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu.
