Sunday Okunade.
Osun Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola has charged the Students of Abeni Visual and Performing Arts Institute, AVPAI Boripe Local Government, Iragbiji who have just completed their three months intensive training to make Judicious use of the opportunity and the knowledge they have acquired in the Institution for them to be able to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the economy of the State.
Governor Oyetola disclosed this at the product exibition where the students showcased the products of what they have learnt from the Institution.
Governor Oyetola who was represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Obawale Adebisi stated that the training is in collaboration with the State, Local Governments and Private sectors stating that his goal is in line with the public private partnership PPP in Culture development.
He mentained that the passion he has for Culture, Tourism and Arts has enabled his administration to sponsor students from across the state to benefit from the training and to take many people off the street.
According to him, ” We want to organize a marketing strategy in which the foreigners will be able to partner with the State and I want to assure you that those of you that have completed your training will be linked with people in other to secure job.
” I want to appeal to the School Authority to start part-time programme so that, those who can not go for full-time will be able to benefit from the training. I want to assure you that, Government will continue to sponsor students to participate in the training.” he explained.
In his address of welcome, the founder of the Institution, Chief Muraina Oyelami applauded Governor Adegboyega Oyetola for the support given to the School and Students for sponsoring them to partake in the training, stressing that the Governor has made landmarks in promoting Culture, Tourism, and Arts in the State.
He explained that the students were picked from twelve local governments with thirty-three participants, sixteen have completed their three months training while the remaining students will complete their own in October, this year.
Chief Oyelami mentained that performing Arts is a therapy which can relief people of their stress. He expressed his disatisfaction with people for not showing interest in developing Culture.
He therefore encouraged the outgoing Students to be focused and not let the training they have received slip away from them but sees it as opportunity to help others to achieve their goal.
While speaking on behalf of the students who benefited from the training, the duo of Akomolafe Funmi and Sola Animasahun appreciated Governor Oyetola for the good gesture and for the opportunity given them to benefit from the training.
They also gave kudos to the founder of the Institution for playing fatherly roles in their lives, adding that they will never let the School down saying the flag of the School will keep flying through them.
The areas in which the Students were trained are Aso-Oke, Batik, Tie and Dye, Assorted Bags, Gift Items and performing Arts.
Highlights of the programme were; Cultural display by the performing Troup of the Institution, Drama presentation, Exibition of products produced by Students and issuance of Testimonials to the Students.
Meanwhile, the graduation ceremony will come up in November this year after the second batch might have completed their training to mark the second year of the administration of Governor Oyetola in Office.
Present at the programme were the Ag. General Manager, Osun Tourism Board, Mrs Oluwatoyin Ajayi, Senior Special Assistance to the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Raimi Opesina, Teachers from the Institution among others.
