In order to develop, as well as encourage greater cultural values, awareness of arts and artists in Imo communities geared towards helping the people to understand the importance of art works and their richness to the economy of the state in building alliances across Africa, the Owerri Sports Club has assured that it is ready to strengthen cultural benefits of arts to create jobs and lessen poverty and youth restiveness.
This was disclosed by Chukwuma Anurunkem, program manager, Smate $ Smate Intl, during a parley with journalists at Owerri Sports Club, on Tuesday, in preparation of “The Art of Sports 2022” billed to hold from 30th July to 6th August, 2023, at Owerri Sports Club, New Owerri.
Anurunkem who noted that the program is organized by Smate & Smate Intl in collaboration with the friends of Imo arts, Omenka ndi Imo, Owerri Sports Club, Imo State Council for Arts and Culture among others, hinted that the event will feature art exhibition, life drawing sessions, legend interaction, sports, music, dance performance, lifestyle & food exhibition, raffle draws, competition, health talk and free health check, calling on Imo people to come by as the event will be educative and entertaining.
He added that tickets for children from across Imo communities is free as they want to also use the art exhibition to imbue creativity spirit in the children so that they would be resourceful. Stating that the exhibition was aimed at demonstrating that Imo still enjoys peace, former IMC Chairman of Ehime Mbano Local Government Area and President of Owerri Sports Club, Hon. Chike Ojiakor, added that the exhibition will promote good health, love, friendship, peace.
“Art is life, a gift from God. Obviously, God expresses Himself through art. Imo Sports Club is a place of peace where people come to relax to forget their burdens and think of better things ahead.” Adding his voice, the founder of Owerri Sports Club, Mr. Esona Onuoha, said that the vision of the event was to enhance tourism, as well as bring people to generate art value.
“We want to promote relevance of arts and sports in Imo State and we are grateful to government and all our partners. Many will be empowered through art and sports which are very important to bridging peace and promoting good health.” He however urged people across Imo communities to ensure that they fully participate in the art exhibition which he affirmed was aimed at promoting cultural values of Imo State, Igbo enclave and Africa in general.
