Governor Nnamani stated this while declaring open a five-day art exhibition organized by the Alliance Francaise at the Centre for Development of French Language and Culture in Enugu.

The Governor described the management of Alliance Francaise as partners in progress, especially in the socio-cultural and educational development of the state, adding that government will continue to give them all the needed assistance to achieve their objectives.

According to the Governor, "we see them as development partners, we will do all we can to provide the enabling environment so that the organization working in partnership with government will achieve their objective", he said.

Governor Nnamani, described work of arts as rare gift from God and thanked the artistes who have tried to express their God given talent, by painting on canvase, sculpture and other arts medium.

The State Chief Executive also used the occasion to commend Management and officials of the center, especially Mrs. Nwodo for the able way she had been handling the affairs there.

In his welcome address, the Director of Alliance Francaise, Mr. Gerard Chouin explained that the center is not a foreign body defending and promoting its interest but rather a local association engaged in areas that are of concern to the local community and immediate environment.

Mr. Chouin pointed out that apart from teaching and learning of French Language, the center also is trying its best to compliment Enugu State Government efforts in the fight against poverty and hunger in the land through work of arts.

According to him, "poverty is clearly an issue of primary concern locally and globally, ... because it feeds on all social malfunctions, cracks, lacks and insufficiencies. Alliance Francaise sincerely attempts to be useful to this community by supporting in her modest ways the pro-poor and pro-education programme and plans established by the government of Enugu State... with our tools", he said.

Mr. Chouin also said that the Craft and Art Fair Alliance Francaise is hosting will be an annual event and as the state government is working towards the development of tourism industry, arts and craft could be part of package Enugu would have to present to the world.

He described Enugu as home to reputable international artists and art schools.

He regretted that there is no major Art fair in Nigeria, unlike in countries like Dakar and South Africa and wished that the present Art Fair could be hosted in the newly constructed International Conference Centre.

Mr. Chouin also harped on the potentials of arts in generating revenue, educational opportunities and employment and made an appeal to both government and organizations to help encourage to develop their potentials and talents.

Mr. Chouin used the opportunity to remind the Governor of their earlier request to acquire the premises left by state staff development center for their expansion programme and improve services to the people.

He commended the governor and his officials for their positive involvement in the center which made him understand the meaning of the 'Motto' Enugu is working.

In his address, Ayo Adewumni, the co-ordinator of Arts is Everywhere Project stated that the venture was aimed at empowering the youth, promote tourism and manage the environment properly in line with study tours of West Africa courtesy of Pan African Circle of Artists.

He sued for art appreciation in our society which is at the threshold of extinction as art is in the heart of traditional African society.

Mr. Adewunmi stated the need for recycling of waste, hence turning waste to wealth, using the work of arts.

He thanked the Alliance Francaise, IMT Enugu, ESW AMA and other individuals for making the exhibition possible.