Why German Embassy Promotes Cultural Activities in Nigeria –Envoy

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News, World News Monday, March 7th, 2016

By Eric Ojo, Abuja

The Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Zenner has said that the German government through its embassy in Nigeria promotes cultural activities with the aim of building mutual understanding and friendship between Germany and Nigeria.

Mr. Zenner noted that besides political and economic relations, cultural relations form the third pillar of German foreign policy, adding that it is one of the most sustainable and visible instruments.

He also observed that the promotion of cultural values represents a significant contribution of utmost importance in efforts geared towards creating and maintaining peace amongst people globally.

Speaking at an Exhibition and Poetic Musical Performance with a theme, “Blackman in European Kitchen” presented by a Nigerian artist based in Germany, on Friday in Abuja, the German envoy further explained that culture creates a broad basis for stable international relations.

“Promoting the visual arts and exhibitions is an important part of the German Federal Foreign Office’s cultural activities”, he said

Mr. Zenner also said he was pleased that the German Embassy is able to present the works of the Berlin-based Emmanuel Eni, who according to him, is a maverick artist, social campaigner, poet, singer, choreographer and painter.

He added that multi-media artist who showcased 18 of his works at the Gallery of Thought Pyramid Art Centre, is exposing his new light paintings for the first time in Abuja. He thanked the management of Centre for its close collaboration and cooperation in hosting cultural events in Abuja.

“May I also announce an event next week. Abubakar Adam Ibrahim will read from his novel, ‘Seasons of Crimson Blossoms’. This event will as well take place here in the Thought Pyramid Art Centre”, he further disclosed.

Eni, is one of the most outstanding contemporary artists of African continent as well as of the western world, renowned for his fearless, soul daring philosophical art.

His works is described as iconoclast of uncommon proportion and his art crystallizes diverse media as one. He is the creator and exponent of the New Light Painting Art, the creator of the general metric scale for art products as well as the initiator and discoverer of “contemporary barrock” art.

The Edo-born artist is a veteran of several biennials like Dakar and Lyon, he presented in 2007 his installation and performance at the Grass Museum, Leipzig and during the documenta XII in Kassel, Germany.