Stakeholders Urge Harnessing of Young Children's Potentials through Arts, Culture, and Tradition

Stakeholders Urge Harnessing of Young Children's Potentials through Arts, Culture, and Tradition

By

Omowumi Hannah, Ibadan

Stakeholders have called on parents and government to invest in harnessing the potentials of young children for the development of Nigeria through arts, culture, and tradition. This call was made at the 7th Young Artists Art Hub Competition and Inter-school Talent Hunts held at the National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan

In her welcome address, the convener, Mrs. Olaide Turner-Moyet, emphasized the need to retrace the beauty of Africanness for a competitive society. She called for a departure from the shackles of colonialism through regular awareness and self-consciousness.

"The inspiration behind this initiative is the pressing need to engage and empower the next generation by building their confidence, nurturing their talents towards providing meaningful exposure that validates their dreams."

It will interest you to know that "My African Roots, My Pride" was borne out of a vision towards bridging creativity with purpose; seeing this platform as a fertile ground where self-awareness meets skill-building; where artistic expression meets cultural education and where the seeds of leadership are sown through imagination and dialogue."

"Ladies and gentlemen,  in a world where cultural narratives are often diluted, then young artists must be equipped to tell their stories boldly authentically original. By so doing, art becomes their language while culture becomes their compass as they sit at the feet of elders metaphorically and physically collecting and collating data for resourcefulness".

" When young people are given the tools, space, and voice to express themselves, they become powerful agents of change, thus, this event is more than a competition. It is a celebration of identity, a revival of cultural pride, and a platform for youth to rediscover and reimagine their African heritage through art."

"The mission is to foster confidence and curiosity in young minds by allowing them to paint their perspectives and sculpt their stories. I am pretty certain that whether through visual arts, performance, spoken word, or mixed media, every child and youth participating today stands not just as a contestant but as a cultural ambassador in his own right."

"This is obviously an exhibition, being a heartfelt invitation to the wider community: educators, leaders, parents, institutions and creative to rise in support of youth-driven, impact-oriented initiatives. "

" The future of Africa is not tomorrow; it is now, in the brilliance of these young talents who reflect our legacy and light the path ahead, and obviously the shinning participating-students here today are a great example. What a great deal", she said.

The Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology in Oyo State, Hon. Segun Olayiwola, represented by Mr. Johnson Awodeji, noted that the competition signals the enabling environment provided by the Seyi Makinde-led administration for its sectors, particularly education. He reiterated the need for parents to protect their children's talents and incubate them.

In their separate lectures, Assistant Director, Medical Social Services, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Mr. Olagunju Adelayo urged the young children to prioritize their health for a healthy future, while Zonal Director(South West) and Curator, National Museum of Unity, Aleahinloye, Ibadan, Mrs. Oriyomi Pamela Otuka, represented by assistant director of the Museum, Mr. Rufus Olayemi enjoin young talents, parents and government  to do everything for fuller development.

Earlier, the Chairman of the event, Chief Tunde Odunlade, condemned the continued embrace of Europeanism among Nigerians, saying it silences African skills, traditions, culture, and intuitions.

Meanwhile, popular pathologist, activist and radio presenter, Dr. Kemi Aremu and artist Omofemi Oluwole urged participating students to strengthen their artistic nature, assuring them of unending wealth and fame with consistency.

Of the twenty (20) public and private secondary schools which participated in the competition to showcase their talents in music, dance, virtual art, poetry, and mime, most performing included LeadCity International School, St. Louis Grammar School, Bodija International College, Quiblah International School, Community High School, Samonda and Community High School Iseyin.

Other prizes included foods, electric iron, wall clocks, drinks, certificate of participation and other expensive educational materials to all the participating students.