One of Africa’s most renowned ivory towers, the golden University of Benin popularly known as UNIBEN located in the heartbeat of the heartbeat of Nigeria, Benin City, Edo State commemorated it’s 50th anniversary on the 22nd of November, 2021. An event which was billed for last year but was disrupted by Covid19 pandemic.

Golden jubilee is always remarkable in the annal of any historical development hence the university authority seized the opportunity this year to unveil what Nigerian Society of Artists (NSA) themed “The 50th Golden Strokes” with guests far and near in attendance.

For over 50 years of UNIBEN’s existence, it has produced many great minds and eminent figures across Nigeria and beyond. These products of the academic refinery would seize every opportunity to tell the world how proud they are to be moulded by the “great UNIBEN”. They look forward to every occasion to honour the citadel of learning that has made them the eminent societal figures that they are today.

It was this nostalgic sense of reverence for UNIBEN that propelled the Nigerian Society of Artists which has produced many of it’s eminent members to join the host of other well wishers to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the University in grand style which threw the Ekewan Campus of the University into euphoria with visual artistic exhibitions.

The NSA also used the epoch-making day to present awards of honour to an array of 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 beauty of their works.

While making his remarks, the HOD, Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Dr. Sam Ukweu commended SNA members and the students of the department whose artistic works enriched the exhibition hall.

He however appealed to government and NGOs for more funding and ensuring conducive environments for artists to thrive.

When asked what sense he made out of the “50th Golden Strokes”, a renowned art historian and professor emeritus, Erimona Elis gave a gleeful chuckle. Obviously enraptured by occasion in which he was bestowed with an award of honour.

The professor recounted the struggle they faced in the early days of the university but said he was fulfilled and grateful to see that the university has not fallen short of their expectations especially in the area of visual arts.

“It is very good for this institution, it gives all those involved in the journey of the university a sense of fulfillment that an artistic occasion of this nature was organize to celebrate the institution that has produced eminent figures in our society. Looking back I feel so exhilarated” Mr. Elimona said with a grin.

At the exhibition ground, there were beautiful art works giving expression to man’s creativity through a spontaneous spanning from various works such as painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, crafts and the list goes on; adding value to cultural aesthetic and the evolution of humanity.

While guests toured round the exhibition centre feasting their eyes on the aesthetic wonders by members of SNA and Fine and Applied Arts students of the university, the curator’s commentary gave the viewers a deeper explanation of the works.

Barely two weeks ago, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State commissioned the Victor Uwaifor Creative hub. An initiative aimed at giving artists in Edo state-of-the-art-studio and equipment that will supports and help them showcase their talents to the world.

The Governor clearly understood that apart from relaxation that art works give, it is also plays a significant role in the Nigerian economy by contributing hugely to the Nation’s GDP after Oil and Agriculture. One can only expect that the university and SNA will key into the Governor’s vision of marketing Edo arts through collaboration with the creative centre.

Not forgetting the Edo Global Arts Foundation whose mandate is to deepen the creation and appreciation of arts in Edo State. According to the Foundation’s spokesperson, Mr. Enotie Ogbebor, “the foundation cultivates artistic talents, connect communities and create more employers by supporting the production, presentation and propagation of arts created from Edo State”.

If properly harnessed, the arts in Edo state will transcend the capacity of just capturing moments in history and stirring up our nostalgic memories to economic empowerment which many artists are lacking given the conducive environment that the state government is creating.

Happy 50th Golden Strokes the Great UNIBEN.
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Sinafi Omanga is a serving Corps member with the Nigerian Observer, Benin City.