The Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare, has been elected as the Chairman of the Forum of Commissioners for Culture, Tourism, Arts, Heritage, and Creative Economy in Nigeria.
The election took place during the Abuja meeting of the Forum, where other officials were also elected. Prince Stan Ifeanyi Ogbuewu from Ebonyi State emerged as the Vice Chairman, while Hon. Nagombe Joseph from Taraba State was elected as the General Secretary. Hon. Bolanle Olukoju from Kwara State was elected as the Treasurer, and Hon. Robert Abubakar Ewa from Cross Rivers State became the Public Relations Officer. Hon. Hajiya Rabi Salisu from Kaduna State was elected as the Financial Secretary.
Professor Ojo Bakare is expected to lead his colleagues from all states of Nigeria for a renewable term of two years.
Bakare’s selection as the chairman of the forum has garnered positive feedback from the national arts and culture community. With 43 years of experience in the sector as a creative artist, researcher, lecturer, performing arts scholar, and tourism scholar, Bakare’s election is widely regarded as a wise choice.
Throughout his career, Bakare has held various roles within the sector, including serving as an assistant director at the National Troupe of Nigeria, a former choreographer at the National Troupe of Gambia, and a former artistic director and CEO of the Abuja National Carnival. He is also recognised as one of the most internationally sought-after consultants in the creative sector.
In his home state of Ekiti, Bakare, a recipient of the 1997 Ekiti Merit Award (culture sector) and the 2013 Ekiti Cultural Ambassador, has significantly contributed to the upliftment of the sector since assuming the position of Commissioner in December 2019.
Given his track record, it is expected that the first Africa’s Professor of Choreography and Performance Aesthetics will lead his colleagues to influence policies and actions that will positively impact the sector across the country.
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