Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
A renowned artist and collector, Dr. Yemisi Shyllon, has charged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of giving in order to live a meaningful life.
He made the call in Ibadan at the inauguration of Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Exhibition Hall at the National Museum of Unity in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He said while it is true that he has contributed a lot in the field of art it was not because he was rich, stating that giving cannot but give one happiness.
According to him, the unveiling of a life-size bronze statue of the late Tai Solarin, which he recently donated to the Ijagun Campus of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASUED) in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, was because of his adoration for the educationist since he was young.
The philanthropist, who noted that given recognition to people who contributed to the development of the society in their own little way, lauded the Director- General of the National Museum and Monuments, Mr. Olugblile Holloway, for writing a letter personally to him to recognise his impact and that of late Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi at the Onikan Museum, Lagos.
Shyllon disclosed that the letter by Holloway alongside his love for the Curator of Ibadan Museum, Mrs. Oriyomi Pamela Otuka, encouraged him to take interest in the museum.
He maintained that one does not need to be rich to be giving, noting that one would be remember for the good one did while alive.
He added that as a lover of positive psychology he has over 10,000 artworks in his home, stating that the two holy books emphasised on charity and saw earthly possessions as mere adornments.
He said: “Iam highly grateful for the honour and recognition accorded me by the Curator, National Museum of Unity, Mrs.Pamela Otuka with the naming of the hall after me.
“I see it as a challenge to contribute more to the works of the creative art.”
The Mrs. Otuka, in her remarks, lauded Dr. Shyllon for his contributions in the field of art, noting that the event was not only about imaugurating an exhibition hall after him but also immortalising his name.
She maintained that Dr. Shyllon had served and still serving in various capacities for the growth of creative art in the country.
Highlight of the event tagged, “Unity Renewed: The Yemisi Shyllon Inaugural Art Exhibition”, was exhibition of artworks of prominent old and new artists that include Susanne Wenger; Twin Seven Seven; Olumide Ajayi and Damola Ayegbayo.
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