...for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a free and fair election, while also enjoining Nigerians to be patriotic and take ownership of their votes. During his remarks, Gen. Yakubu Gowon took the audience down memory lane as he vividly provided insight to the characters and events in a short film on a projector as part of the event of the day. The exhibition was declared open by the Chairman after which the Dignitaries went on a tour led by the Curator, Chief (Dr.) P. C. Dike who incidentally is pioneer Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, a distinguished scholar and an Officer of the Order of the Niger(OON) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The tour was so exciting and it became mutual discussions between the curator and Gen Gowon who was also a major player in the Nigerian history; with the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Culture & National Orientation making occasional interjections as well. This edition of the NGA’s independence exhibition is so unique in presentation and content that the general feeling from those present at the occasion is for the exhibition to be carried around major cities of the country so that generality of Nigerians can have the benefit. The ball is now in the court of the Management of the NGA led by Mr. Abdullah Muku on the possibility of moving it around Nigeria. Mr. Abdullahi Muku, Ag. Director-General (NGA) in his welcome address used the occasion to congratulate the President and Command in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR and the entire people of Nigeria on the occasion of Nigeria’s Golden Jubilee celebration. According to Mr. Muku, this exhibition is the 7th in the series of Independence celebration exhibitions of the National Gallery of Art, Nigeria. The 1st edition tagged “Unity in Diversity” was staged to complement the famous ZIK/Gowon symposium in 1994 under the Ministerial leadership of Professor Jerry Gana. Since then the NGA has not failed in keeping with the tradition of organising independence exhibitions, with themes that express aspects and dimensions of our nationhood. During one of the exhibitions attended by the late Gen. Sani Abacha, former Head of State at the time, General Sani Abacha satisfied with the conduct of the exhibition remarked that the programme be sustained. A roll call of other Dignitaries that attended the occasion was Members of the Board of the NGA, Chief Executive of Parastatals of the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture & National Orientation such as Alh. Muzalli Dantata, Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR); Mr. M. M. Maidugu, Executive Director of the National Council for Arts & and Council (NCAC). Others who also graced the occasion were members of the Diplomatic Corp: Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Angel Losada; and a representative of the Embassy of the United State in Nigeria. Royalties were not left out of the event, as the Etsu Nupe was represented by a delegation led by Alh. Abdumalik Usman, Secretary Bidan Emirate Council. Alhaji Kabir A. Danasabe, Executive Director, Niger State Council for Arts and Culture was also present. From the visual arts community: Mr. Uwa Usen, President, Society of Nigerian Artist (SNA); Mr. Kolade Osinowo, former President Society of Nigerian Artists(SNA); Mr. Oliver Enwonwu, Chairman, Society of Nigerian Artists, Lagos State; Mr. Eze Obizue, Chairman, Society of Nigerian Artists, Abuja chapter, Chief Okonta, President, Association of Galleries Owners of Nigeria (AGAN) to mention a few. The exhibition is open till 7th October 2010; giving opportunity for Nigerians and lovers of Arts to visit and be well informed, so as to keep abreast of Nigeria’s rich and colourful history.