ATPN Bayelsa Celebrates Chairman Macaulay Eteli Over Smithsonian Recognition
By Ebis Freeman, YENAGOA – The Bayelsa State Chapter of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has congratulated its Chairman, Macaulay Eteli, following the inclusion of his artist file and biographical profile in the prestigious Art and Artist Files database of the Smithsonian Institution’s Warren M. Robbins Library, National Museum of African Art, in the United States.
In a congratulatory message signed by the Chapter Secretary, Victor Oroyi, the association described the international recognition as a significant milestone not only for Macaulay Eteli but also for the growth and promotion of tourism, arts, and cultural heritage in Bayelsa State.
According to Oroyi, the achievement is a major boost to the state’s tourism sector, demonstrating that Bayelsa’s rich artistic and cultural contributions are gaining global recognition.
He commended Eteli’s resilience, dedication to his artistic craft, and his pioneering role in establishing and sustaining a private art gallery in Bayelsa State, noting that his commitment has continued to project the state’s creative industry beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“Your accomplishment is an inspiration to artists, tourism practitioners, and young creatives across Bayelsa State. It reinforces the importance of preserving our cultural heritage while showcasing our creative excellence to the world,” the statement noted.
Announcing the development, Macaulay Eteli expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying his artist file and biographical profile had officially been added to the Art and Artist Files database at the Smithsonian Institution’s Warren M. Robbins Library.
He wrote: “Honored and grateful! I’m thrilled to share that my artist file and biographical profile have officially been added to the Art and Artist Files database at the Smithsonian Institution’s Warren M. Robbins Library (National Museum of African Art).”
Eteli also thanked the library team and everyone who has supported the journey of his creative enterprise, which evolved from Eteli Art Works Studio into Macaulay Eteli Art (MEA) Gallery in Yenagoa.
He reaffirmed that honoring African art and preserving its history for future researchers, curators, and art enthusiasts remains the driving force behind his work.
The ATPN Bayelsa Chapter wished its Chairman continued success, expressing confidence that the international recognition would further elevate Bayelsa’s profile as a destination for arts, culture, and tourism while inspiring greater investment in the state’s creative economy.
