Ambode promises support for 11-year-old artist

Oluwatobi Akindele Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has promised to give the 11-year-old hyperrealist artist, Waris Kareem, support ...

Oluwatobi Akindele

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has promised to give the 11-year-old hyperrealist artist, Waris Kareem, support to help him nurture his talent.

Kareem drew the portrait of French President, Emmanuel Macron, in two hours during the President’s visit to the new Afrika Shrine in Lagos.

The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Steve Ayorinde, made this known on Thursday after the governor hosted the artist alongside his parents, teachers and instructor.

Ayorinde stated that Kareem had become a household name through the social media even before Macron’s painting, adding that the visit was to appreciate and encourage the young artist and assure him of the readiness of the government to give him the needed support.

“The governor is interested in his education. We want him to be a successful, well-rounded student and artist.

“The governor has also acknowledged the contribution of Kareem mentor and because he has an arts academy that inspired and produced Kareem, the governor thinks the academy should flourish; so, he will also support him,” Ayorinde said.

Kareem expressed happiness, saying, “I want to study my arts very well; I want to be a great artist in the world.”