UMUAHIA — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to harnessing the arts, culture and the creative economy as strategic tools for youth empowerment, tourism development and sustainable economic growth.

The Governor made the declaration while officially opening the Canvas & Culture Art Festival 2026, themed “Defining Us: The New Abia,” held in Umuahia to mark World Art Day.

Represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the Governor described art as one of humanity’s most powerful expressions of identity, stressing that it preserves cultural heritage, inspires innovation, promotes unity and provides communities with a platform to tell their stories to the world.

“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. Art remains one of the most powerful expressions of human identity. It preserves our heritage, inspires innovation, fosters unity and provides a platform through which communities tell their stories to the world,” he said.

Governor Otti noted that the festival goes beyond celebrating artistic excellence, describing it as an opportunity for Abians to reflect on the traditions, values and aspirations that define the state’s identity.

He commended the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew C. Ekwuribe, alongside the management of House of Crystal Empire, for organising the festival, noting that such initiatives strengthen Abia’s cultural ecosystem while creating opportunities for learning, collaboration and economic advancement.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue supporting programmes that promote cultural preservation, nurture young talents and position Abia as a leading destination for creativity, culture and tourism.

He urged participants to maximise the opportunities presented by the festival, encouraging them to celebrate the state’s diversity, embrace shared values and proudly tell Abia’s stories to the world.

According to him, the festival also provides a platform for creative engagement, cultural exchange and the promotion of Abia’s rich artistic heritage, while inspiring a new generation of creatives to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, highlighted the ongoing transformation across the state under Governor Otti’s leadership.

He disclosed that the Ministry has identified more than 55 viable tourism and cultural sites for development and is working with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) to upgrade major tourism assets, including the National War Museum, Ojukwu Bunker, Azumini Blue River and Iwollo Waterfall.

Ekwuribe said the festival’s theme, “Defining Us,” reflects the importance of preserving cultural identity, indigenous languages and traditional values. He urged Abians, particularly the younger generation, to embrace their heritage with pride.

He further noted that the creative economy has become a major contributor to global economic growth, innovation, tourism and cultural diplomacy, making sustained investment in the sector imperative.

Describing the competition as an investment in the future, the Commissioner explained that the students’ art competition and the innovative Waste-to-Art initiative were designed to encourage creativity, innovation, environmental consciousness and artistic excellence among young people.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of House of Crystal Empire, Mr. Chimdindu Onyekwelu, encouraged participants, especially students, to remain committed to their dreams and creative ambitions.

“Your dreams are valid. You are enough. Keep putting in the work, and at the right time, the results will come,” he said, adding that the festival was conceived over a year ago and became a reality through dedication, persistence and collaboration.

Delivering the keynote address, Miss Chiagoziem Orji stressed the need to support young people in discovering and expressing their talents through the arts, describing creativity as a powerful instrument for cultural promotion, social development and economic empowerment.

The festival featured art exhibitions, cultural displays, dance performances, expert art talks and panel discussions on contemporary art and opportunities within the creative economy. Secondary school students also participated in competitions covering drawing, painting, mixed media and the innovative Waste-to-Art category.

The Deputy Governor and his wife, Her Excellency Mrs. Adaeze Chidera Emetu, also demonstrated their artistic talents during the event.

The festival attracted top government officials, including the Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment, Hon. Okechukwu Martins; Director General of the Abia State Orientation Agency, Lady Ure Abazie; Director General of the Abia State Strategic Communications Bureau, Sir Onyemachi Ememanka; Permanent Secretaries, traditional rulers, artists, educators, students and cultural advocates from across the state.

Source:
Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
June 25, 2026