The relegation of the study of History as a subject to the background portends great danger for the country especially, the younger ones. How will they get to know their past in order to plan for the future? According to curator Ziggi Golding,”Documenting and archiving culture is the key to understanding origins and thus developing a sense of identity”.

From the era of the 31 Ogisos to the reign of the current Monarch, the 40th, Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare N’Ogidgan 11, who had a historic and majestic ascent of the throne of his ancestors on Thursday, October 20, 2016, the Palace of the Benin Monarch, Eguae Oba N’Edo Ore Nokhua has remained a fortress, impregnable, Osa N’Ugiabi as revered as the exalted throne itself, and as majestic in splendor as the wise one,

Am thinking that writing is a calling and I don’t think it is meant for everybody, because if somebody is not inspired, he cannot write

“Beneath the Skin” is interesting because it helps us as Africans, have a conversation on how we see ourselves. Even as Africans, we say negative things about ourselves but I do appreciate the potentials of Africans, the giant strides they make in every field. However, I’m bothered about the things that limit us especially due to the fact that they are generated within.” Those were the words of the Director, Ake Arts and Book Festival, Lola Shoneyin during a press briefing announcing the 2016 edition of the Ake Arts and Book Festival.

The Wheatbaker’s choice of a visual art exhibition for such celebration is worthy of commendation