Mr Ebeten Ivara, the Director-General, National Gallery of Arts (NGA), has urged Nigerian youths to identify and harness their potential through participation in visual and creative arts.
Ivara gave the advice on Thursday at the third edition of the Rainbow Art Unlocking Creativity Programme organised for Primary and Secondary Schools in Abuja.
Theme of the programme was: “A Cultural Perspective on the Impact of COVID-19”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme attracted 47 schools, participating in arts competition, folks tale, cultural exchange, arts making and bead making.
The director-general said that the programme was designed and dedicated to children to harness their inner potential in expressing innate capabilities in visual and creative arts.
“Since culture is our way of life, COVID-19 has actually interfered with our economic, religious and social norms, not only in Nigeria, but the world in general.
“Thus, the need for this year’s theme, A Cultural Perspective on the Impact of COVID-19.
“The theme was chosen to educate and show case the global economy through the eyes of the children.
“And, to also inform citizens to reflect on how the pandemic has impacted and affected cultures and continents on a global level,” he said.
According to him, children cannot be left out in our day-to-day activities as they have greater role to play in finding solution to any problem through their skills.
Also, Mrs Ononugbo Julie, Assistant Chief Education Officer of NGA, said that the programme was designed in seven sessions, including arts competition, folks tale, cultural exchange, arts making, bead making among others.
“During the session, students are allowed to participate in any session of their choice, helping them to acquire skills.
“We have competitions in different branches of arts. At the end of the session, we have winners in different categories – first, second and third position in all the seven sessions.
“Participating students will benefit by going home with a certificate and gift,” she said. (NAN)