~ As SNA names Obi Achebe Grand Patron
By Joe Ifeizu
Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has assured Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) of support, while also pledging to continue to patronize their works.
Soludo stated this on tuesday, during the first SNA National Executive Council/Stakeholders Retreat, held in Awka, Anambra State where he described creatives as life of society.
This is coming as the society named the traditional ruler of Onitsha ancient kingdom, Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe at its grand patron.
Represented by the commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr Don Onyenji, Soludo said the state has commenced plans to open up various tourists sites in the state as destinations for world tourism, just as he has been a lover of art and one of the biggest collectors of artwork in the state.
Speaking through Onyenji, Soludo said: “That you choose Anambra for this retreat speaks of the fact that we have lived up to our name as the light of the nation. We have been well disposed to the activities of SNA. We once hosted an art exhibition and invited SNA as a partner. It was a five-day event and the expenses were borne by the state government.
“The governor also bought millions of naira worth of art work and it shows that Anambra is a supporter of art. We are currently planning on how to boost the creative economy in Anambra State, because creatives are life of the society, and the state government is spending millions to develop tourist sites in the state, including the Ogba Ukwu Cave in Owerre Ezukala, Ogbunike Cave and many others, and once done, Anambra is going to be the destination of world tourism.”
Meanwhile, the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Highness, Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe has been installed the Grand Patron of Society of Nigerian Artists. 
President of the group, Mohammad Suleiman announced this during the retreat in Awka, where he presented a plaque to the monarch.
The group described Achebe as one of the largest collector of artwork in Nigeria, including the ownership of a museum, which is housed in his palace in the ancient city of Onitsha.
Earlier, keynote speaker, Prof. Clifford Nwanna, a celebrated artist and sculptor, speaking under the theme: repositioning Nigerian art business: New directions for maximizing profit, charged young artists to see their work as their meal ticket prioritize them by displaying them in places where those who consume art can always sight them.
The retreat also featured the exhibition of diverse artworks from established and upcoming artists, including works by Dr Tony Otikpa, a celebrated artist. 
