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Olokoto, songs of Chima connects
a wide spectrum of tutored abilities and collaborated energies that
subsequently birthed this unique celebration of Onitsha ado culture. My
gratitude, therefore, goes to God almighty, who imparts fresh insights to
minds of men and equips them with faith to scale mountains and the
challenges of initiatives.
My deference goes to His
Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, mni (Agbogidi) Obi of
Onitsha, whose royal endorsement invariably bestowed prestige on this
exhibition.
I am also inspired by the vision
and focus of Mr. Nn,emeka Maduegbuna, Patron of Olokoto, whose infectious
enthusiasm in no small measure contributed to the actualisation of Olokoto.
Equally deserving of mention are
the gifted minds; the twelve artists whose works have given expression to
the essence of Olokoto.
I pay respect to the
distinguished jurors and members of the vetting committee who deftly
selected the artworks on exhibition today. Take a bow, Engr. Yemisi Shyllon,
Art patron and collector; Sam Ovrati, Artist; Ndidi Dike, Artist cum
Cultural activist; Onyema Offoedu-Okeke, Artist cum art historian; Duke
Asidere, Artist, and Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Artist and photographer, whose
efforts inspired us to weather the stormy process of building Olokoto.
I thank Prof. Nkiru Nzegwu, for
her brilliant essay on “The Political Significance of Olokoto”.
My gratitude also goes to the
staff of Pendulum Art Gallery for their tireless efforts, and the staff of
Corporate and Financial, who helped craft a visual interpretation to the
Olokoto essence and whose professionalism has helped position Olokoto on a
worthy pedestal.
The realisation of Olokoto is a
great experience for me, and I pray that this road will lead us to many
destinations of good tidings and blessings.
Peter Areh
(Curator and Director, Pendulum Art Gallery)
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