The Ministry of Tourism, Hospitality & Culture in IMO State has demonstrated their love as they celebrate their retiring Director Visual Arts & Museum Services in the Imo State Council for Arts & Culture, Lady Ifeyinwa Christiana Chibikodo.
The event which marked with a solo Arts Exhibition by the retiring Director Lady Ifeyinwa Christiana Chibikodo was flagged off by the Permanent secretary in the Imo State Ministry of Tourism, Hospitality & Culture, Sir T. U. C. Nwokonkwo amidst the Commissioner Hon. Barr. Jerry Egemba and other key staff of the ministry.
Interestingly, the retiring Director of Visual Arts & Museum Services in the Imo State Council for Arts & Culture Lady Ifeyinwa Christiana thanked the ministry for such an honor done to her. Lady Ify Chibikodo is a graduate of Fine & Applied Arts from She hold B.A from University of Nigeria Nsukka and specialized in Textiles, and Executive Certificate in Human Resource & Organization Development from International Association Maryland, USA respectively. And has contributed in many local and international arts exhibitions.
Speaking at the event recently in owerri, the Imo state capital, the Honourable commissioner in the ministry of Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, Hon. Barr. Jerry Egemba commended the retiring Director Lady Ifeyinwa Christiana Chibikodo for her passion and contributions to the growth of the ministry. Hence, he described Lady Ifeyinwa Chibikodo as a focus and hard working lady who is committed with her work.
In another development, Lady Ifeyinwa Chibikodo lamented the urgency in rebuilding the Imo State Council for Arts & Culture through the employment of qualified workers who will contribute effectively in sustaining the legacies of the noble council.
Lady Ifeyinwa Christiana Chibikodo used the occasion to express her joy and thanked the Imo state Governor Sen. Hope Uzodinma and the Honourable Commissioner in the Ministry of Tourism, Hospitality & Culture, Hon. Barr Jerry Egemba for their respective supports to the Imo State Council for Arts & Culture, but pointed out the urgency of engaging new workers who will ensure a positive progressive work at the Imo State Council for Arts & Culture. According to Lady Ifeyinwa Christiana Chibikodo she said, ” Indeed, the Imo State Council for Arts & Culture may soon go into extinction if urgent employment is not made in the council for qualified workers. For instance, some areas in the council currently lacked qualified workers such as Textiles, Sculptors, Painting, Printing, Graphics, Research & Documentation “. Lady Ifeyinwa Chibikodo also thanked the former Director in the council Late Amb. G.K.M Anoka from Mbaise for his efforts to ensure she gained employment into Imo state Council for Arts & Culture in the early 90’s.
Again, Lady Chibikodo maintained that across the state, there are many qualified young men and women who can join the council to ensure it’s continuity. Hence, urged the Imo State government to lift ban of employment in the Imo state Council for Arts & Culture for it’s sustainability and continuity. Adding that the IMO state Council for Arts & Culture has continued to promote Arts and culture, showcasing products from Arts and ensure that the state is on the world map on a positive note. Also, Lady Ify Chibikodo condemned the destruction of old Mbari Arts Houses, which has been a tourist center for all. Hence pleaded for it’s rebuild with a view to maintain its legacies in the state. According to Lady Chibikodo again she said,” Getting the youths employed into Imo State council for Arts & Culture is a step in the right direction. No doubt, our performing division needs youths who will feature as dancers, band players and Drama actors. This will help to promote our cultural heritage and enhance the result oriented programs of the council. Indeed, integrity is vital in life. I assure you all of good things ahead in the Imo State council for Arts & Culture. I urge all to hold on to God, for without God, we are nothing “.
It was gathered that the recent Solo Arts exhibition event specially held in honour of the retiring Director Lady Ifeyinwa Chibikodo helped to promote and encouraged Artists and cultural activities across the state. In fact, the critical stakeholders who attended the solo Art exhibition includes the commissioner in Ministry of Tourism, Hospitality & Culture , Hon. Barr. Jerry Egemba, the permanent secretary in the ministry Sir TUC Nwokonkwo, Dr. Chizor Egeonu HOD Fine and Applied Arts Dept. Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Dr. H. C. Nguma, Ven. Paul Nwozuzu, Ven. Zion Ngoka, Sir, Prince Azunna Chibikodo, Hon Uche Mbah and Eze – Elect Dr. Fidelis Arisokwu of Amato Obazu community in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo state among others.
