In a bid to refuelling the nation’s dream, the maiden edition of the Nigerian children’s art and cultural festival climaxed at the main field of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (formerly LASPOTECH) on the 27th of May 2022.
Marking the annual children’s day with art, culture and lots of entertainment, simply known as NACAF, day two of the program hosted more than 20 schools from within and outside Ikorodu.
Sponsored by Oshodi arts and culture foundation in conjunction with Ikorodu North LCDA and produced by Fanafilit integrated concept, the event featured carnival floatings and cultural presentation plus games like basketball, football, chess, snooker and lots of other side attractions to engage pupils.
Popular social media sensation, Ikorodu Bois also made their presence felt at the event, given optimistic talks plus short dance sessions to entertain children.
Supervisor for education in Ikorodu North LCDA, Hon Matthew Adesanya, before his opening address puzzled students with a quiz that resulted in two winners.
Olatunji Balikis from Odogunyan junior grammar school and Shoga Ephraim from Dellad college were both presented a cash gift of ten thousand naira each by the supervisor, who later stated that the essence of a celebratory event of this kind is to keep students in check with their academic growth.
Hon Matthew Adesanya continued, “While we’re using today to celebrate our children worldwide, it is also a medium to check how progressively they’re responding to intellectual practices”.
“We’re also telling them about their culture for them not to forget about their origin, since our contemporary pop culture is throwing our tradition into oblivion”.
“With programs like this, our children will never forget their roots, let me use this medium to appreciate Oshodi arts and culture foundation for coming up with such a unique extravaganza” Hon Matthew Adesanya proclaimed
Hon Ameen Olawole, vice chairman, sitting in the capacity of the Executive Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Bldr Adeola Adebisi Banjo, addressed students to always play a positive role both in school and at home.
“Occasions like this offers a unique opportunity to celebrate our children and also to remind us of the wonderful heritage offered by our cultural values and ideals”.
“We’re not unaware of the enormous challenges facing the children of this generation which I want to assure you that collectively, we can overcome them through diligence Handwork and perseverance”.
“As a council, I exhort all our teachers to do their best with the assurance that their reward as an educator is no longer in heaven but here on earth”.
“We are particularly pleased to inform them that we will do everything within our power to ensure that they reach their fulfilled potential to be able to live peacefully, we will vigorously work towards giving them everything they require to grow in time with the THEME agenda of our amiable Governor Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos Slate” Hon Ameen added
Dr Oshodi Paul, Founder of Oshodi art and culture foundation in his closing remark appreciated the schools, parents and children for making the two-day event historical, urging art and culture enthusiasts to follow the trend.
Dr Oshodi proceeded, “We’re using this program as a backdrop to always orientate our children about their culture which will go a long way to keep them informed”.
“It is about creativity, entertainment and education and we thank everyone for making this maiden edition a successful one”.
“It can only get bigger subsequently as we’ll continue to break boundaries with ideas through art and craft”.
Among the guests were delegates from NDLEA, NAFDAC, and Ayangburen in council representing Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi and Mr Waheed Ishola from the Lagos state National Orientation Agency.
