Culture activist Oyemiko Onoko has stressed the need for a better understanding of Nigeria’s diverse culture and people to build a better society.
Onoko, who holds a master’s degree in International Relations with a focus on Cultural Diplomacy, spoke during the recent event organised by the National Gallery of Art (NGA) in Abuja, featuring Nigerian children’s artworks.
He stressed the urgency of transforming young children’s artistic passions into skills to sustain cultural life.
Onoko, through his initiative Saint Victoria Art Outreach, organised children to create artworks presented at the event. He aims to highlight the transformative power of culture in addressing global issues.
“This initiative seeks to inspire children, especially those in junior secondary school, to pursue creative careers through visual arts,” he said.
He advocated for programmes like this to encourage young children and adults to appreciate Nigeria’s cultural and artistic richness by actively participating in the creation of artworks that reflect the nation’s spirit.
He praised the NGA for their efforts and urged other government agencies to involve children in similar events, asserting that such participation fosters a positive outlook towards the country and creates an environment conducive to their growth. He said this aligns with the goals of SDG 17, which calls for collaboration among all stakeholders for a better society.
Onoko celebrated the children from Amazing Love Education Centre Jikwoyi, who secured 2nd place in the college Art category at the NGA art competition.
He noted that this achievement is a testament to Saint Victoria’s Art Outreach’s mission, which nurtured them for the event.
Fourteen-year-old Chibueze Emmanuel from Amazing Love Education Centre Jikwoyi attributed their success to Saint Victoria’s Art Outreach tutorials, detailing the materials used in their college artwork.
Another student, fifteen-year-old Chibuike Collins, expressed his desire to become a visual artist and called for government support in providing art teachers.
Saint Victoria’s Art Outreach is dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation of culture and artistic expression among the youth through innovative programmes, including seminars, workshops, and lectures.
It also promotes exchange programmes and outreaches to orphanages and aims to create a vibrant cultural landscape where every young person can explore and celebrate their artistic talents.
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