The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting arts, culture, tourism, and the creative economy as key drivers of economic growth, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation.
This assurance was given during the 2026 CANVAS and Culture Art Festival Organized by the ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in collaboration with House of Crystal Empire themed “Defining Us,”.
Declaring the festival open on behalf of Governor Alex Otti, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, described art as a powerful tool for preserving heritage, fostering innovation, strengthening unity, and projecting the identity of a people to the world.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this remarkable celebration of art, culture, creativity and identity, aptly themed ‘Defining Us.’ Today, we gather not only to appreciate artistic excellence but also to celebrate the stories, traditions, values and aspirations that shape who we are as a people,” Emetu said.
According to him, art remains one of the most powerful expressions of human identity and serves as a platform through which communities tell their stories to the world.
“Art preserves our heritage, inspires innovation, fosters unity and provides a platform through which communities tell their stories to the world,” he stated.
The Deputy Governor commended the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, and the management of the House of Crystal Empire for organising the event, noting that the initiative would strengthen the state’s cultural ecosystem and create opportunities for learning, collaboration, and economic growth.
He reiterated the government’s support for initiatives that showcase the richness of Abia’s cultural heritage and the talents of its people.
“As a government, we recognize the immense potential of the creative industry as a driver of cultural preservation, youth empowerment, tourism and economic development. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that showcase the richness of our heritage and the talents of our people,” Emetu added.
He urged participants to take advantage of the exhibitions, cultural displays, networking opportunities and other creative engagements provided by the festival.
“Let us celebrate our diversity, embrace our shared values and continue to tell our stories with pride and confidence,” he said before formally declaring the festival open.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, highlighted the transformation that has taken place in the ministry since Governor Alex Otti assumed office in 2023, stressing that the administration has elevated the arts and culture sector to a strategic component of development.
“In every part of the state today, we are witnessing tremendous transformation. Before now, it was difficult to organize programmes of this nature, but today we are seeing positive changes in every sector,” Ekwuribe said.
The Commissioner disclosed that the ministry is currently collaborating with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) on the revitalization of major cultural and tourism assets in the state, including the National War Museum and Ojukwu’s Bunker.
“Maybe in another few months, we’ll be seeing a new National War Museum. We are collaborating with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments. We are also working on Ojukwu’s Bunker,” he revealed.
He further disclosed that the state has identified more than 55 viable tourist attraction sites as part of efforts to boost tourism and diversify the economy.
“The first thing His Excellency instructed me to do was to go around the state and identify these locations and list the viable ones. We have done that and are now taking them one after the other,” he explained.
Speaking on the festival’s theme, Ekwuribe emphasized the importance of preserving indigenous culture and language, describing them as the foundation of identity.
“The reason we chose this theme is because our culture is our identity. Once we can no longer speak our language or behave according to our cultural values, we have lost a vital part of who we are,” he said.
He urged young people to embrace their cultural heritage and preserve indigenous languages for future generations.
The Commissioner noted that the creative economy has become a major contributor to global economic development and should no longer be treated as a secondary sector.
“As a government, we recognize that the creative economy is no longer a sector to be swept under the carpet. Around the world, it is a major driver of economic growth, empowerment, tourism, innovation and cultural diplomacy,” he stated.
According to him, the future belongs not only to those who build industries but also to those who create ideas, shape narratives and inspire imagination.
A major highlight of the festival was the participation of secondary school students in various art competitions, including drawing, painting and waste-to-art projects.
Ekwuribe described the competition as an investment in the future of the state and a platform for nurturing young talents.
“To every participating student, I say your creativity matters and your voice matters. Your artwork is not merely a competition entry; it is your interpretation of the new Abia and your contribution to the story we are collectively writing as a people,” he said.
He particularly praised the inclusion of the waste-to-art category, noting that it teaches young people to see opportunities where others see limitations.
“Waste-to-art reminds us that creativity is the ability to see value where others see waste, opportunity where others see limitations, and responsibility where others see obstacles. This mindset is essential not only for artists but also for building a great society,” the Commissioner remarked.
