Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq says the Institute of Contemporary African Arts and Films in Ilorin was established to strengthen cultural education, develop creative talent and expand economic opportunities in the arts.
The governor spoke at the opening of a retrospective exhibition celebrating the life, music and cultural influence of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. The exhibition, organised by the June Creative Art Advisory in partnership with the state government, is scheduled to run until December 31.
AbdulRazaq said the institute, also known as the Visual Arts Centre, was designed to preserve African stories while providing a platform for artists, researchers, students and entrepreneurs. He argued that cultural institutions have a role beyond entertainment because they connect people with history and encourage public debate.
He described Fela as an artist whose work addressed power, identity, justice and freedom, and said opening the institution with a retrospective on the musician was particularly meaningful.
The governor said the centre’s success should ultimately be judged by the artists it nurtures, the ideas it inspires and the opportunities it creates, rather than by its physical facilities alone.
Commissioner for Communications Bola Olukoju encouraged young people interested in photography, film, fashion, printing and design to use the centre to learn and present their work. She said the exhibition also provided an opportunity to consider Fela’s enduring influence on Nigerian cultural expression.
Fela’s daughter Yeni Anikulapo Kuti thanked the state government for recognising her father’s legacy despite his origins outside Kwara. Exhibition organiser Seun Ali said the programme traces Fela’s family background, musical development and political activism.
Representatives of the film and entertainment industry also welcomed the initiative, highlighting Kwara’s contributions to Nigerian theatre and performance.
The exhibition offers the state an opportunity to connect heritage with contemporary creative enterprise. Sustained programming, accessible training and partnerships with working artists will determine whether the institute becomes a lasting resource for the region’s creative economy.
