Prof. Barth Oshionebo, Senior Lecturer, Department of Theatre Arts, University of Abuja, has called for the strengthening of unity and peaceful coexistence among the Nigerian populace.
Oshionebo said this in Abuja on Wednesday at the 2022 Children’s Cultural Fiesta, organised by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).
The fiesta which has its theme as: “Culture, Creativity and the Future of the Nigerian Child”, had children from FCT secondary schools in attendance to showcase the various cultures of the country.
According to him, the Nigerian children deserve the best in terms of preparation for the future.
Oshionebo, who spoke on the topic ‘Culture and Creativity for Unity and Peaceful Coexistence in Nigeria’, said the needs of every part of the country must be a collective responsibility to achieve.
“We have to prepare these children in such a way that when it gets to their turn, they will lead us to the right path.
“There is need for unity and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria. When there is unity, the children are the beneficiaries.
“This is because the home is a microscopic of the entire society. If there is no peace at home, the home will definitely be divided.
“There is no place now where there is no child trafficking, kidnapping, and banditry activities,” he said.
The don therefore expressed optimism that in spite of the various challenges, there is hope for the country.
He advised students to intensify in praying for the country as well as hold on to the culture of the country.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of NICO, Ado Yahuza, said there was the need to stimulate culture consciousness among students.
Yahuza stressed the need to establish NICO cultural clubs in all secondary schools in the FCT and nationwide.
“The Children’s Cultural Fiesta which is an off shoot of the Institute’s Cultural Club in Secondary Schools is designed to stimulate culture consciousness among students.
“It is also to create a platform to discover young talents in culture and creative arts as well as encourage cooperation and healthy competition among the students.
“While the Culture Club serves as a platform for the promotion of culture consciousness, creativity, national pride and identity on a weekly basis, the Cultural Fiesta on the other hand provides an opportunity annually for members of the Cultural Club to display what they have learnt through competitive and non-competitive events,” he said.
The executive secretary added that the sure way to make children good leaders of tomorrow is by laying a solid socio-cultural and economic foundation for them.
Highlights of the event was the cultural display, quiz competition, traditional dress parade, traditional music and dance, among others.
Participating schools include Government Model Secondary School, Jikwoyi, Senior Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Junior Secondary School Iddo Sarki, Model Secondary School, Maitama and Government Science Secondary School, Piakasa, Maitama.
Others are Government Senior Secondary School, Garki, Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Government Day secondary School, Wuse 2, Government Secondary School, Karu and Government Secondary School, Apo Resettlement. (NAN)