LASG REITERATES COMMITMENT TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT THROUGH EMPOWERMENT

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has once again reiterated its unwavering commitment to youth development by empowering and supporting the creative sector.

 This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka during an art exhibition by a young creative, Somtochukwu Obi, at Thought Pyramid Arts Centre on Norman Williams Street, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Sunday.

While addressing the gathering, the Commissioner expressed her amazement at the talent displayed by the young artist, saying “I was amazed at the talent. He showed us his story, which is part of some of his paintings, which speaks of his existence, his being in art”.

“I always say that our brains are wired differently from that of young artists, songwriters, and singers. They think very differently from us”.     

She added that Somtochukwu shared with her a painting titled the ‘Jesters’ which resonated deeply with her because it told the story of how his parents, like many of them, wanted him to pursue a traditional profession like architecture, engineering, or law. But his passion for art shone through, and here he is today, showcasing his incredible talent.

Benson-Awoyinka further emphasised that the Sanwo-Olu-led administration remains deliberate in its efforts to support the creative industry, which comprises a significant portion of Lagos’ youth population. 

“The Sanwo-Olu-led administration will continue to be deliberate in youth development through unflinching support for the creative industry”, she stated.

The Commissioner equally expressed her pride in Somtochukwu’s work, noting that he didn’t need to do too much to catch her attention. Within an hour, he showed that he was exceptionally talented.

“Looking at the volume of work displayed and the creativity involved, I am so proud of him. We will continue to promote and support him and other talents like him out there”, she enthused.

In his remarks, Somtochukwu’s lecturer at Covenant University, where he studied architecture, Eghosa Ekhaese recalled noticing his immense talent from his first year as a student. “I have been mentoring and cheering him on since then and I am particularly happy that he understands the business side of art and has been making money steadily throughout his time in school without allowing it to affect his academic performance”.

The Curator of the exhibition/owner of Thought Pyramid Art Centre Ikoyi, Mr. Ovie Omatshola praised Somtochukwu for his level-headedness and great talent. “I believe he is going to go places because of the uniqueness of his art”.

Somtochukwu, who graduated with a degree in architecture from Covenant University in 2017, shared how he began using the architectural ink pen meant for architectural drawings in his paintings out of curiosity. “I’ve never looked back since then”, he said. 

His work is influenced by the happenings around him, through paintings like City Boy, which depict how smart Lagosians are due to the daily hustles compared to other parts of the country.