By Famuwagun Akindele

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Historically, a creative flourishing artistic community supported by participation of the general Public, has been a clear sign of a health city.

The revitalizatfon of any state or nation like Egypt, Los-Angeles, Rio-de Janeiro in Brazil e.t.c. often revolves around the creation or advancement of Artistic initative the  economy.

Arts brings with it a certain cachet, a glean of the modern that endows its owners with respectability and a reputation for being sought after. Art makes a location attractive and a valuable commodity to  a city that wants to improve its image, it is amazing that the great artistic/festival/literary tradition, the beauty dancing steps, drumming and songs which have brought the Ondo State so much national and international recognition has vanished and many of our children are continually distanced from this tradition. I could vividly remember when Owo being represented by the New Church Grammar School, Owo came second in 1980s. Our children are drifting from this beautiful and diverse arts of creative expression.

In simitar manner, the decent live theatre atmospheres which we once know and which provides avenue for positive Socio-cultural interaction and improve the economy of the people like: Boat Regatta in Riverine areas i.e Igbokoda, Okiti-pupa etc. Egurigun & Igogo Festival in Owo, Erigiyan from Akoko, Ogun Festival Ile – Oluji, Odun Oba in Ondo City, Egungun Festival in Akure, Orosun Festival in Idanre are gradually going into extinction. This is perhaps much more visible in most of the towns/cities in Ondo State.

The likes of late Pa D.O. Fagunwa, of Oke Langbodo, Igbo Olodumare, High Chief Seinde Arogbofa, Revd Famulagun Akin, Amb, Muyiwa Olawolu, Prof, Wole Soyinka etc who are playwrights. High Chief (Madam) C.F Famoiagun, Chief (Madam) Comfort Omoge, Madam Alege, Chief Tola Wewe, High Chief I,D Akeredolu. Great Sculptor from Owo and other great people, who are so many to mention her#, but not forgotten are just a fragrant of the numbers of sons and daughters of Ondo State both in Nigeria and diasporas who have played  active significantly roles  in placing Ondo State on the World map of Artistic excellence. Painfully, in spite of this collection of Icons, a visit to the Sunshine State will reveal an embarrassing dearth of artistic/theatrical activities or institutions that collaborate with the volume of the art Personalities that came from the State.

We do appreciate our government for their support in promoting our rich Cultural Heritage, construction of the magnificent Cultural and Events Centre (Dome). Maintenance of Cultural Centre (Adegbemile) which house the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Akure, the attention of the present government should be drawn to the Cultural Centre (Adegbemile) which still need thorough maintenance. Sunshing State deserves Cultural Centre for each Senatorial District  not each for all the Local Government, to promote, protect and preserve our rich cultural heritage and those centers could be used as a training centre for our Youth so that our youths will not be looking for white collar job which is not even available  youths can engage in artistic work by organizing training in sculpturing, black smiting, tailoring, brass smiting, cloth weaving, leather works, wood works e.t.c.

For example  in wood work: mortal^axe handle, furniture etc   Black smiting; Local Knife,”hoe, cutlass etc  Brass smiting: Not on  traditional sword could be made like Ape, Agada, but souvenirs could be in hand, key holders, interior and exterior decorations etc  Cloth Weaving: Our Traditional cloths like Seghosen, Alari, Gege etc are in vogue, they could be sew as suits, English dresses  Laptop bag etc      Leather works: This could be use for bags, shoes. Laptop bags, purse etc. These things are exportable, by this, our economy would boost.

If the local experts artists of the above arts could be engaged to train our youths, the matter of unemployment if not totally eradicated could be reduced, and problem of social vices would be eradicated.

In conclusion, who says we are not ripe enough to host (IMAFEST) National Arts Festival, Ogun, Oyo Osun, Edo and recently Ekiti State hosted it where our State Cultural Troupe performed excellentiy.Ondo State should ponder on this and rise up to the occasion.

Famuwagun writes from Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Akure.