By Vera Samuel Anyagafu

The United States Consul General Jeffery Hawkins has said that as part of the Consulate’s commitment to contribute immensely to the development of the Art industry, it will continue to give its support to the Nike Art Gallery.

Jeffery Hawkins who made the disclosure during a reception organized in honour of two new Public Diplomacy Officers, Rhonda  and  Dehab, noted the importance of arts and culture in the socio-economic development of any nation.

The array of works from the Gallery of  renowned artist and designer, Nike Davies Okundaye which were on display at the Residence of Hawkins during the reception, were enough to motivate the Consulate General who could not hide his enthusiasm as he pledged his unflinching  support to the Gallery in order to empower more youths.

“The US will continue to lend its support to the Nike Art Foundation which has been known over the years to assist unemployed youths to be gainfully employed because it is part of our commitment to help the Nigeria government in order to clamp down on the number of area boys and girls that parade the streets of Lagos”. He said.

Responding, Nike who has held several inspiring workshops on reawakening the values of African culture in both the United States of America and Europe  revealed that the United States government played important role in her development as an artist adding that  the US government is instrumental to all she has achieved over the years.