A team led by Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, the Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, paid a visit to Master Carver Mr. Aina Kolawole at his residence in Igogo-Ekiti. The delegation included Hon. Oluwayomi Bolarinwa, Chairman of the Ekiti State Tourism Board; Mr. Michael Peculiar Ekiran, Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism Development; Mr. Caleb Osasona, President of the Society of Ekiti Creative Artists; and Mrs. Dolapo Adewumi Ogunleye, Tourism Officer at the Bureau.
Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre stated that the purpose of the visit was to recognize and promote exceptional artisans like Mr. Kolawole, in line with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s Shared Prosperity Agenda for Ekiti State.
The 70-year-old Mr. Kolawole shared the fascinating story of his craft. Naturally gifted, he revealed that he draws inspiration for his carvings from dreams and has been practicing his art since childhood without any formal training. He noted that skilled carvers are rare in Ekiti State, with only a few found in communities such as Odo-Owa, Otun, and Igogo.During the visit, the team was captivated by Mr. Kolawole’s impressive works, which included carvings of Eegun, Elewe, Alulu (drummers), and a stunning masterpiece crafted from Igi Ire.
Ambassador Ojo-Lanre commended Hon. Oluwayomi Bolarinwa for discovering Mr. Kolawole and pledged the Bureau’s support in promoting the carver’s work. Mr. Caleb Osasona emphasized the role of the Society of Ekiti Creative Artists in uplifting local talent and promised the Society’s full backing to bring Mr. Kolawole’s work into the spotlight.
Hon. Oluwayomi Bolarinwa announced plans to showcase Mr. Kolawole’s works at an exhibition in Iba on December 3rd.Relatives of Mr. Aina Kolawole expressed their gratitude for the visit and appreciated the team’s efforts to highlight and support the master carver’s artistry.This visit signifies a renewed focus on preserving and celebrating Ekiti’s rich cultural heritage while promoting local artisans to national and international audiences.
