EFFORTS aimed at developing Nigeria’s creative arts industry have received a boost with the sponsorship of exhibition at the National Museum Benin by Heritage Bank Plc.

Managing director of the bank, Ifie Sekibo, yesterday, at the Exhibition Gallery of National Museum Benin by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, NCMM, in collaboration with the Edo State Government, and the Smithsonian Institute, United States of America, said the bank’s support was geared towards sustainable, persistent growth of the industry as alternative to crude oil.

The exhibition focused on photographic works of Chief Solomon Alonge, photographer to Royal Court of Benin kingdom during the reign of Oba Akenzua II.

Represented by the Executive Director, Jude Monye, Sekibo stated: “The art and culture industry has become one of the major contributors to so many countries gross domestic products, GDP, and Heritage Bank is committed to supporting it because it is part of Nigeria’s heritage.”

According to him, Heritage Bank has continued to make efforts in supporting ideologies like this, using arts as a tool to promote cultural awareness and to help younger Nigerians form a strong sense of National identity. He assured that the bank would always be driven by cultural heritage in delivering distinctive financial services to create, preserve and transfer wealth.

In his presentation, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, represented by Director General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Yusuf Usman, said synergy amongst corporate bodies, states and the federal government would guarantee diversification of Nigeria’s economy whilst showcasing its rich culture. He commended Heritage Bank, Smithsonian Institute, US Embassy and others for the exceptional supports in making a huge success of the Exhibition Gallery at the National Museum Benin by the NCMM.

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, while appreciating the Smithsonian Institution, said the exhibition would add to state’s quest to develop tourism as it makes a connection between past and present.

Earlier, US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, described the occasion as historic to both Nigeria and America. The Director Emerita, Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art, USA, Dr. Johnnetta Cole, said that the exhibition was first in Africa and to showcase the rich culture of Benin kingdom.