AdminBy Kenechukwu Onah
The Labour Party Enugu Gubernatorial Candidate in the 2023 elections, Hon Chijioke Edoga has unveiled the bust of Emeritus Professor El Anatsui of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, at the Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).
The sculpture which was commissioned by the Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof. Paul Obi-Ani, was crafted by Mr. Sabastine Ugwoke of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts.
Hon. Edeoga who was a special guest of honor at the Faculty’s maiden Festival of Arts unveiled the sculpture on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, the second day of the event.
The sculpture which is situated in front of the Faculty of Arts Lecture hall is meant to commemorate Emeritus Professor El Anatsui who projected greatly, the Nsukka Arts School popularly called Uli Arts School.
The bust serves as a tribute to his extraordinary artistic odyssey, which had a far-reaching impact on the cultural landscape of Africa and beyond.
This historic event according to the Faculty will linger in the collective memory of witnesses, serving as a testament to the timeless influence and indomitable spirit of one of the 21st century’s most celebrated sculptors.
The Labour Party chieftain while addressing the students, enjoined them to focus on their Course of study.
Recalling his days in the institution, he stated that it was focus and practice that laid the foundation for people like him in their journey in life.
He therefore enjoined the students to always put what they learn into practice.
“I am proud of my connections with UNN. Each time I am asked to come, I always respond. The Faculty of Arts is a very important faculty and all-encompassing.
“No matter the department you are in, always take whatever you are doing very seriously,” he added.
He urged students to always take their studies in the faculty seriously as that is what will make them become better individuals tomorrow.
Hon. Edeoga also called on the organisers of the event to ensure the continuity of the event.
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According to the Dean of the faculty, the carnival is aimed at uniting the departments in the faculty and providing a stage for each to put into practice all they have learned in class and also an avenue to inculcate in the younger generation the beauty of African Culture.
” Faculty of Arts has many things to showcase, and its carnival will be one that will be hosted every year to counter the effects of cultural imperialism.
“I hope this continues because the faculty is encompassing and each department has a lot to offer.
“The Department of History to document our past experiences, the Department of Archeology to recover the relics of Africa. Also, the Music Department recreates our culture, the Fine and Applied Arts, Linguistics, Mass Communication, and the rest of the departments. They all have a cogent role to play in reviving our culture and therefore, should be given a stage to do so,” he stated.
The deputy vice Chancellor of Administration, UNN, Prof. Pat. Uche Okpoko who was once the Dean of the Faculty and represented the vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Igwe at the event officially declared the event open and encouraged the organisers to ensure that such festival continues.
He said: “Every department should showcase something, do what you feel like you can do. If you have a sustained event, people will wait for it yearly. So I encourage you to take this festival to the next level, a level that works.”
Different departments of the Faculty were fully represented at the event with many other dignitaries also in attendance.
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