NCAC mobilises students for Arts preservation

The event which took place at Glover Memorial Hall in CMS area of Lagos, witnessed the participation of 13 colleges, comprising both public and private schools. While aligning with the competition rules and regulations, each of the participating schools presented one foreign and one traditional song each. And in a bid to outwit one another, […]

The event which took place at Glover Memorial Hall in CMS area of Lagos, witnessed the participation of 13 colleges, comprising both public and private schools.

While aligning with the competition rules and regulations, each of the participating schools presented one foreign and one traditional song each. And in a bid to outwit one another, the students spiced the occasion with cultural dance, stunts, mimes, playlets and traditional ewi renditions, among others.

In her remark, the NCAC zonal head and Deputy Director, Mrs C.J Abara said the motive behind the organisation of the event has to do with the need to inspire arts and culture preservations from the grassroots level.

“When we started this in Badagry about four years ago, we are more concerned about how we can engender arts and culture preservation from the grassroot level. This is because previous efforts had often been focused on the metropolitan areas at the expense those at the grassroots, many of whom actually have abundant talents yet to be discovered,” Abara said.

The Deputy Director further stated that NCAC decided to focus on the kids because the older generation is gradually ageing and there is a need to have competent hands that will succeed them. She noted that the drive which started in Badagry has actually been to Ikorodu before getting to Lagos Island. She expressed confidence that her organisation will not rest on its oars as they are doing everything possible to extend the gesture to other parts of Lagos State as well as Ogun and Ekiti states, the other two states in the zone.

The host local government chairman, Wasiu Eshilokun, said he was impressed with the talents displayed by many of the competing students. He said it shows that the future of arts and culuture in Nigeria is quite bright.

The event also witnessed presentation of child-friendly awards to distinguished personalities and Non Governmental Organisations which included the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwanu Akinolu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Hon. Wasiu Eshilokun, Kanu Heart Foundation and SOS children village, Isolo.

Also, the trio of Kings College, Girls Academy College and Waslat Secondary School which emerged first, second and third respectively, were also presented with trophies.