By JAPHET ALAKAM- Photography

The popular saying that “travelling is part of education” was brought to the fore last week when Verdant Zeal group after visiting over 9 African destinations under the aegis of the annual expedition tagged “VZ Explore” showed the public their findings in a photo exhibition tagged Journeys and Discoveries.

For an organisation, which believes in the art and beauty; and as part of its culture to explore the world around; to understand cultures and the diverse people that inhabit it, has over the past 10 years, visited 9 African destinations under the aegis of the annual expedition tagged “VZ Explore” and within this period, amassed a sizeable collection of pictures ranging from food, nightlife and landscapes from many countries.

The three day exhibition which was put together as part of  their 10th Anniversary, held at The Renaissance Hotel, Ikeja,  featured about 40 selected images from over 200 images collected in the course of their journeys.

Though the works were displayed in an unusual place, but the lighting was okay as it afforded the viewers the opportunity to focus on the works, the setting was a bit okay and the works speak for themselves as it brought out the beauty of Africans in various ways.

Some of the works include, Rele Street, play by the rules, Accra; Meet at Koloto, Banjul; Selassie lived here, Addis Ababa; Soul Anchor, Zanzibar Showered Blessings, Osun; Bespoke Princess, Zanzibar, Rhythm of the coast, Banjul and others. The images were taken from different locations in the course of their journey by amateur photographers. Basically, it shows the odd moments, pictures taken at unusual places and at unusual times that say a lot about those people, their cultures, veracity of foods, music, people, beauty; in fact its all about the art and beauty of Africans.

The exhibition which was attended by notable Nigerians, art lovers, including the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed and declared open by renowned art patron and collector, publisher of Vanguard Media Ltd., Sam Amuka, was impressive and a demonstration of what Nigerians can do, if provided with the right environment.

Mr Amuka who was highly impressed with the works, commended  Verdant Zeal for their excursion into the world of photography, especially for the purpose of the exhibition which is to raise funds for the less privileged in the society.

According to him, “aside from the pictures being displayed for sales, people should support the cause for which the initiatives intend to achieve.

“It has been stated clearly by the management of Verdant Zeal Group that proceeds from the photo exhibition will go to the Good Cheer Initiative which is the charity arm of the company.

“I have looked at these pictures, which is pictures as art, very impressive. I am extremely impressed with quality of the work, the concept, the frame and the artistry,”he said. Going further, he lamented that people don’t pay attention to some of the nicest things in this country, and enjoined all to enjoy the pleasure of art.

Culture minister, Lai Mohammed who was thrilled with the works commended the organisers for a good job. He also reiterated the need to harness the great potentials in the creative industry. Lamenting, that the industry has not be given the needed encouragement to grow.

On his part, Dr. Tunji Olugbodi, Executive vice chairman, Verdant Zeal, said that the exhibition was part of activities to celebrate the company’s 10 years of existence. “But from the reaction we are getting, we will see how we go. May be we will reframe or rejig it in a way that it will be productive for anyone,” he explained.

On the purpose, he stated that “we will like to continue to give back to the society as you cannot have commercial success if you are not relevant to the community you live. We are involved in diverse areas of development in our society.”

Proceeds from the exhibition will go to the Good Cheer Initiative charity of Verdant Zeal, which include: Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind , Live Well Initiative, Atunda-Olu School for the Physically and Mentally challenged School 1 & 2., Children’s Development Center ,Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria, Sickle Cell Initiative.