Expert holds Arts Exhibition in Umuahia, urges government to tackle unemployment, criminality with investment in Arts

An Arts exhibition organized by the founder of Salvart Studio, Prophet Oji Agbai Igwe has successfully been held at Umuahia North local government headquarters, in Umuahia, Abia State capital by the founder of Salvart Studio Umungasi Ohuhu, Umuahia North LGA , Prophet Oji Agbai Igwe.

The event, which kicked off on 7th February, 2026, ended on February 13, 2026 with different works of arts including drawings, paintings, prints and sculptures on display.

The ceremony which started on a high note was declared open by Abia State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Dr. Mathew Ekwuribe who represented the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti.

Speaking to Journalists on Friday before the closing ceremony at Umuahia North Secretariat, the founder of Salvart Studio, Prophet Oji Agbai Igwe said the exhibition was held to display some of his works of arts and to draw the attention of the government, institutions, community leaders, family heads and young Nigerians to see untapped opportunities in the works of arts.

Prophet Oji Agbai Igwe whose works are of the international standard found in London, United States of America, Italy and France, said he has produced many students in the past and has continued to produce more of them, adding that he is a teacher who has taught from the Primary up to the tertiary institutions.

The Nkporo-born Art expert explained that he was residing in the Northern Nigeria before relocating to Umuahia to establish the Art studio in Umungasi Ohuhu, Umuahia North LGA, noting that he is planning to establish an art institution as well as organize larger arts exhibition that would also have the creative works of his students and other artists on display.

He expressed willingness to partner with the Abia State government and other organizations in developing young Artists and blending them to professionals, saying that such partnership can create several jobs for youths, reduce crime drastically and also build peace in our cities and communities.

On what he hopes to achieve with the exhibition, the multi-gifted artist said there was the need to communicate to the society that art is life.

He also said that investment in Arts and training of youths in the sector can help in reducing unemployment and crime in the country.

He condemned the new trend where parents discourage their children who are talented in arts from practicing it.

“A lot children are talented in arts but parents are dictating what they should read and do. At the end of the day, the talents that comes from God becomes buried.

” So, what am trying to rouse is the consciousness of the education system in the country to know that the foundation of technology is arts.
Whatever you want to create must create must be drawn”, he said.

He also dismissed the erroneous claims by some people that a Christian should not be an artist.

Some of the students and curators of Salvart Studio including Sally Nwokocha, Obi Ebenezar and others, took viewers round the displayed works of the Minister of God.

They also took time to explain the meaning and differences of the displayed works including Realistic Arts and Abstract Arts .

They also explained the dynamics in spiritual, cultural and other other forms of arts.