Art Stakeholders Advocate Preservation of African Culture

By Adewale Owoade

Notable art curators and enthusiasts have stressed the need to preserve African art, culture and traditions.

They made the call at the 7th Art Competition and Inter-Schools Talent Hunt Exhibition, held at the National Museum of Unity (NCMC), Aleshinloye, Ibadan.

The stakeholders urged Africans to celebrate their roots and honour their stories to inspire pride in future generations.

They said African cultural heritage was crucial for fostering identity and promoting intercultural understanding.

‎The convener of the exhibition, Olaide Turner-Moyet, encouraged young talents to take their future into their own hands and celebrate their African heritage.

‎“The mission is to foster confidence and curiosity in young minds by allowing them to see through their own perspective and sculpt their stories.

‎“This event is an initiative deeply rooted in purpose, passion and the profound power of creative expression.

‎“The inspiration behind this initiative is the pressing need to engage and empower the next generation by building their confidence and nurturing their talents.

‎“It also aims to provide meaningful exposure that validates their dreams,” she said.

A guest lecturer, Chief Tunde Odunlade, a renowned artist and cultural expert, called on Nigerians to unite in preserving the nation’s arts and culture.

He said the country could not afford to let its rich heritage fade into obscurity, adding that wisdom resided in traditions.

‎”Incorporating traditional art forms into the curriculum is vital. This not only preserves our rich history but also empowers students to express their identities confidently.”

“When young people understand and value their culture, they become ambassadors of that heritage, carrying it forward into the future.

‎”Communities must take ownership of their cultural narratives. By hosting local events and supporting emerging artists, we can create a vibrant cultural landscape that resonates with all.”

‎”This is where true empowerment lies, when individuals feel a sense of belonging and pride in their cultural identities,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director of Medical Social Services, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Olagunju Adelayo, stressed the need for moral instruction in school curricula.

“We must reinstate moral instruction in the school curriculum,” he suggested.

‎The Media Head of the Young Artist Art Hub, Comrade Olawale Ogunbusola, urged students to nurture their talents, saying such gifts could open doors to high places if discovered and developed early.

‎The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Segun Olayiwola, represented by the Registrar of Exams, Mr Johnson Awodeji, urged leaders to tap into the potential of Nigerian youths.

‎”We have a lot of talent in this country, it just for our leaders to get it right and do the needful so that these talents will not waste away.

“I want to encourage the parents of these children to continue to guide them, pray for them so that the gift will not be a waste .”

‎A virtual artist, Oluwole Omofemi, said government should support the art sector and promote young artists.

‎”It is a good thing to discover new artists which will give a kind of platform for creativity in the art sector.

‎”If we have more of this a lot of younger artists will also be discovered like I was discovered few years ago.

‎”The government should get more involved in the art sector to promote younger artists, because we need more creative people in the country, people that can come up with different ideas, new innovative that can help.

“I would also like to encourage the parents that whatever their kids decide to do they should give total support .”

‎The event featured award presentations to schools that won various art competitions.

‎Some of the award-winning schools included Lead City International School, St. Louis Grammar School, Bodija International College, Quiblah International School, Community High School, Iseyin, and Community High School, Samonda.

‎The event, themed “My African Roots; My Pride”, aimed to promote African cultural heritage and inspire young talents. (NAN)