By Stephen Oladele
Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has said that the Institute of Contemporary African Arts and Films (ICAAF) created by his administration was meant to advance cultural education and nurture creatives to thrive.
Abdulrazaq stated this in Ilorin while declaring open the ‘Exhibition of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective’, organised by the June Creative Art Advisory (JCAA) in partnership with the state government held at the ICAAF and which signaled the official opening of the institution.
The event, which will last till December 31, was meant to celebrate Fela’s life, the music and his enduring influence as one of Africa’s most extraordinary cultural figures.
The governor while explaining that the ICAAF was also meant to preserve African stories, nurture talents and showcase African artists and thinkers to the world said its success would be measured by telents it nurtured, ideas it inspired and opportunities it created.
“Our ambition is for ICAAF (also called Visual Arts Centre) to advance cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara’s place in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape. Its success will be measured by the talents it nurtures, ideas it inspires and opportunities it creates.
“Physical infrastructure connects places; cultural infrastructure connects people to their history, expands their imagination and challenges their thinking. We built ICAAF to preserve African stories, nurture talent and showcase our artists and thinkers to the world.
“Opening this institution with an exhibition on Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is particularly meaningful. Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice,” he stated
The governor said Fela Kuti was a legend whose life showed that art can preserve memory, challenge ideas, inspire courage and transform society, commending the family and JCAA for organising the show.
He encouraged researchers to see ICAAF as an opportunity to deepen inquiry, and the youth to see it as a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity.
“For students, this is a classroom beyond the classroom; for artists, inspiration; for researchers, an opportunity for deeper inquiry; and for young people, a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity,” he stated
The state Commissioner for Communications, Hon Bola Olukoju, who also spoke at the occasion urged young Kwarans, who are passionate about printing, photography, film making, fashion and design, to see ICAAF as a place where they can explore their interests, learn from others, and showcase their talents.
Olukoju said the occasion speaks to an important part of the mandate of her Ministry to promote stories, talents and creative expressions that “shape our identity as a people”.
“Today’s exhibition offers us an opportunity to revisit the life and works of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and appreciate how his family, his music, ideas and artistic expressions continue to influence generations,” she said.
Fela’s daughter, Mrs Yeni Anikulapo, ìn her remarks, commended the Governor for honouring their late father despite him not being from Kwara state.
“Kwara State, thank you very much. Fela was not from Kwara State, but you have recognised him in a way that I think is commendable,” she said.
Convener/Founder of JCAA, Seun Ali, explained that the exhibition is organised to guide visitors through Fela’s family, his early years, how he evolved in musical career, his political activism, and how he fought to make sure that his voice was heard.
Speaking on behalf of the film and entertainment industry, Alhaji Yinka Qodir said Kwara is unique for the gift of several successful thespians, including veteran Bello Salami and himself, thanking the Governor for recognising them and for grooming the upcoming ones.
The event was also attended by the Speaker Kwara State House of Assembly and APC Gubernatorial candidate, Salihu Yakubu Danladi; cabinet members and some other thespians who include Ibrahim Chatta, and Yahaya Habeeb Olatunji a.k.a Baba Kamo
