To foster a thriving tourism industry within the state, the Ogun State Government has partnered with the Nike Art Gallery. This collaboration aims to establish the gallery at the Olumo Rock site, thereby drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to Abeokuta’s central location.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun made this known when he received the founder of the Nike Art Gallery; Chief (Mrs.) Nike Okundaye in his office, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta, saying it was expected that with the coming of the Nike Art Gallery into the Olumo Rock tourist centre, it would now be able to experience a surge in the number of people that would be visiting the tourist site from 20,000 people to over 100,000 tourists annually.
Governor Abiodun stated that he had directed that the event center within the tourist site be converted into an exhibition hall for the Nike Art Gallery.
The Nike Art Gallery, established in 1983 in Osogbo, Osun State, houses around 8,000 different works of art created by numerous Nigerian artists. It also offers training to many budding young performers and artisans.
“ When I was there, I thought we need to have a befitting Gallery at the Olumo Rock, my mind went straight to you because I have come to your gallery so many times, I thought we must have a befitting Gallery to complement the quality of work that we are putting into the place.
“He mentioned that they have a hall being used for various events; he advised them to close it down. The plan is to demolish it and convert the space into a gallery for your use as an exhibition area,” he explained.
When discussing the influence of cultural events such as the Ojude Oba festival and the Lisabi Day festival, Governor Abiodun stated that these celebrations have provided residents of the state with a platform to demonstrate and share their understanding of culture, thereby highlighting the region’s rich cultural legacy.
“I’m certain you’ve witnessed the transformation of the Ojude Oba through the years, and this year’s event is likely to be among the finest ever due to many people expressing their intent to attend in Ijebu-Ode. This festival gives everyone an opportunity to showcase themselves,” he stated.
During her speech, Mrs. Nike Okundaye, the founder of the Nike Art Gallery, praised State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun for his advocacy in preserving Adire Ogun. She stated that this traditional fabric from Ogun State represents something valuable enough to be showcased globally.
She thanked the Governor for establishing an online marketplace for adire, noting that within the next two years, adire would become more recognized and highly valued compared to both Ankara and Dutch Wax.
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