By Akintayo Abodunrin
Segun Kasali | Lagos
IN continuation of its efforts to harness and spur children’s creativity, the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) organized a talent hunt competition to commemorate the 2023 Day of the African Child.
Students from over 10 schools competed in traditional chants, saxophone, talking drum, poetry, piano, folklore, comedy, set drum and cultural dance performances at the event with the theme ‘Harnessing the Creative Talent of the African Child’.
The participants presented rib-cracking comedies, stirring poetry and drum recitals.
Speaking at the event, Director-General, CBAAC, Hon. Oluwabunmi Amao, said the Centre was intentional about the talent hunt programme to harness children’s talent.
She explained that as the Day of the African Child is to highlight the plight of African children, it was also necessary to celebrate their bravery and ingenuity.
Amao added that as creativity drives the world, it was necessary to catch children young to harness their potential correctly.
She said, “we believe that providing an avenue that nurtures, promotes and enhances the creative talent of the African child is critical in preparing them for a better and brighter future. The Centre has made the Day of the African Child one of its flagship programmes to be celebrated annually with a talent hunt.
“The initiative will continue to serve as a platform where children can develop their God-given talent, showcase their creative skills, mingle and exchange ideas with their peers and air their views on issues that affect their wellbeing.”
Amao further advised the students to continuously take every opportunity to develop their talent to enrich them in the long run.
Associate Professor of Music at the University of Lagos and the jury chair, Dr Sheyi Kehnny, spoke similarly. He advised the students to keep their academics from hindering them from developing their creative ideas.
The schools that participated in the talent hunt included Aunty Ayo International School, Ikoyi; Dowen College, Lekki; Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba; Golden Anchor Group of Schools, Yaba; Iiogbo Junior High School, Ebute-Meta and Mary Anne College, Lagos Island.
Others were Masterpiece College, Ayoninujesu; Christ the Redeemers Secondary School, Gbagada; STC College, Ojuelegba; De Basic Innovation International School, Top Grade Secondary School, Surulere and Queens College, Yaba.
Winners of the various categories got cash prizes. The first prize winners got N100,000, and the second position got N80,000. The third position got N50,000, while each student got a certificate of participation.
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