Encomium
TOLA Wewe is the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Ondo State. He was born on November 19, 1950 at Shabomi, Ese Odo local government area of Ondo State. He grew up in his hometown. The multi-talented artist has been everywhere. He graduated from the University of Ife, Osun State, in 1983 with a specialized degree in Painting. In 1986, he finished a Master’s degree course in Visual Arts at the University of Ibadan. He lectured for a few years at the Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo State. He has also worked with Daily Times, before he went into full time art practice. He has done over 60 exhibitions in different parts of the world and has won several competitive awards. Today, Chief Tola Wewe is the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ondo State.
In a chat with ENCOMIUM Weekly on Friday, September 17, he opened up on his recent project, how Ondo State has promoted culture and tourism in Nigeria, his interest in a credible election and many more…
You are a seasoned artist, your works have the semblance of Oshogbo artists too. How do you reconcile art with being the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Ondo State?
I am not an Oshogbo artist. I am neither an indigene of Oshogbo nor trained in Oshogbo. I trained at the University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and the University of Ibadan Master’s degree in African Visual Arts. Maybe, you can see some relationship between my art and that of Oshogbo in terms of forms. I also relate with many Oshogbo artists. Anyway, they produce great art pieces.
How were you made the Commissioner?
Dr. Olusegun Mimiko appointed me as a state commissioner. He did this by sending my name to the House of Assembly and I was later sworn in.
What are your duties as a Commissioner?
I am in charge of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
How has Ondo State promoted tourism in Nigeria?
Since we came in, we have done a lot in the promotion of tourism. It’s now a known fact that we celebrate Mare Festival annually. This is a mountain climbing event spiced up with cultural activities like music, dance, drama and the likes. This year, we hope to do all these and also incorporate marathon race. We have successfully organized Biripo Musical Nite. We have also held the first international conference on culture in Akure, where international scholars, culture practitioners from different parts of the world came together to discuss ‘Culture and the Challenges of Development in Nigeria.’ The event ended with a musical concert by Seun Anikulapo-Kuti and Egypt 80 Band. We have signed a memorandum of understanding with an Italian firm on an establishment of a Tourist Village. We have done a lot that I can’t exhaust now.
What have been your achievements in office?
All these and many others have been my achievements. For instance, I have been able to take the Ondo State Cultural Troupe out of the country twice to perform.
Have there been any foreign investors through tourism?
Yes. Impes Italia, an Italian company, is investing in tourism. We are discussing with other foreign companies.
Any project you are working on currently?
We are doing a lot now. The process of getting Oke Idanre enlisted by United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is nearing completion. The golf course at Atosin is on. The tourist village is on. A lot is going on. Dome is also on, it is an international centre for culture and events. It will soon be completed.
What is your take on the current political situation in Nigeria, which camp do you belong?
I don’t belong to any camp. All I am interested in is a credible election.
What is your relationship with Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, do you think he deserves another term?
Dr. Mimiko is my Oga. He is my friend, I trust him. Therefore, I will continue to support every move he makes.
Do you have any political ambition?
I do not have. I am only prepared to serve my state and the country at large.
Do you still do paintings, art work?
I still paint. Even, I have added Terra Cotta. I will exhibit them soon.
The new Deji of Akure, his selection was controversial because he is a close friend of the governor. What is your take on that?
I do not know about the Deji being a close friend to Mr. Governor. And I am not aware of any controversy about the Deji’s selection. This is not true.
In years to come, where do you hope to be?
I don’t know where I will be. I only hope to be active somewhere.
With your busy schedule, you are always here and there. How do you juggle your job and family life? Does madam complain?
Madam understands. For an artist to succeed, he must be allowed his freedom.
How do you make up for the lost times?
Every situation demands what I do. I don’t have a ready made template for making up for lost times.
What is your philosophy of life?
Always be yourself.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from the seen and the unseen world.
Which books have inspired you?
Several books on African religion and philosophy. And a lot of Buddhist books.
What more do you ask of God at this stage of your life?
I don’t even ask for anything, I only go for what I desire.
What is the secret behind your good looks?
No secret about this. I am aging naturally.
This story was first published in Encomium Weekly on Tuesday, September 28, 2010
