Parents Are Adviced To Encourage Their Children’s Artworks.

The Founder and Art Director of Culture Art Academy, Festac Town Lagos, Mr Augustine Ekhaiyeme has adviced parents and guardians to try and see how they can help their children or wards who are creative to grow and appreciate their God-given talents rather than killing it.

Augustine Ekhaiyeme, Founder & Art Director, Culture Art Academy

Ekhaiyeme gave the advice during the maiden edition of Art Exhibition & Competition for Secondary Schools Students in Amuwo Odofin which took place at the LG event hall centre on Thursday, 18th April, 2024.

The event which was organized by Culture Art Academy in collaboration with the National Council of Arts and Culture and Amuwo Odofin Local Government with the theme “Art and Environment” was aimed at discovering young talents.

According to the Convener of the event, Mr. Augustine, “The event is all about discovering young talents basically and trying to make them see and know what is going on around their environment, that’s why we called it, Art and Environment, we want them to be observant and be conscious of everything around them, whether outside or within their houses.”

Prize Winners from various schools

“We’re trying to tell Schools, Parents and Guardians that when they have a child who is creative, Don’t kill the dream, rather try and see how to help that child to grow and appreciate the God-given talents that he or she has.”

“There are lots of challenges in terms of finance and acceptance of this talents because the environment is not really giving them that platform to express themselves’.

“I have seen parents who have discouraged their children from becoming artistes. A lot of them are streamlined to just drawing and painting, No, there’s a lot to it. There are so many fields when it comes to the Arts. There is drama, literature, set designs and even architecture.”

1st, 2nd and 3rd Prize Winners in the Amuwo Odofin Secondary schools Art competition

“We actually wanted the children to come with their parents or guardians, so that they could see art in another view, the talents that are there, the resources and the positive things they can tap from. I believe they can now see for themselves with a broader perspective. That’s the essence of this art exhibition.”

“I have been doing this for the past eight years and Amuwo Odofin Local Government has actually been in support of Arts, especially Hon. Feyisope Idowu and the LG Chairman, Engr. Dr. Valentine Buraimoh. They have helped to give the exhibition a wider scope, i think this is one of the best so far.”

“The exhibition will open more avenues and give the students opportunities to appreciate their God-given talents.”

1st, 2nd and 3rd Prize Winners in the Junior Secondary school category of the art competition.

“We’re giving awards to students, but we didn’t put the awards on money, we actually placed it on art materials because we wanted them to have continuity after the exhibition and this art materials will help them to further their training, we also give them Certificates for participating in the exhibition while some of them will have the opportunity to come to Culture Art Academy, where i manage and train young talents in the Arts and Visual arts”

While speaking at the event, The Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Engr. Valentine Buraimoh call on parents to guide their children in the right way of life by giving them the right education and culture as he opined that education is the best legacy any family or government could give to children also emphasizing that culture is a way of life that guides individuals in the right direction so that it’ll be better for themselves, families, society and country at large.

Engr. Valentine Buraimoh, Executive Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Government

“Culture is a way of life, that means we’re bound to abide by it despite our education and exposure. We must always remember the child of whom we are and avoid imbibing western cultures which is seen as taboo or abomination in our culture. Our culture is suppose to guide us in the right direction. What is good is good, and what is bad is bad.”

“As children growing up, you must cherish your culture and surroundings, how to relate with members of your community without spoiling your father’s name or bring a bad image to your family. Our culture does not permit that.” he concluded.

Hon. Feyisope Idowu, Counsellor Ward B2 and Deputy leader, Amuwo Odofin local government, who was also pivoted to the success of the exhibition opined that she was quite impressed on the resilience and efforts put in by the students which is evident in their artworks. She expresses her passion for young children in helping them realize their potentials and reaching their dreams as also an educator.

Hon. Feyisope Idowu, Counselor Ward B2 and Deputy leader, Amuwo Odofin LG

“Art is interwoven, it’s connected to our being and environment. We are artistically and beautifully made, it speaks art.” She said.

She also talked about measures being put in place to ensure that the Amuwo Odofin Secondary Schools Art exhibition is sustained even after her tenure to encourage students creative works and urged the students not to give up on their dreams as there are numerous potential in the field.

One of the judges and Studio artist, Mr. Adewale Awesu urged the students to put in more efforts to develop their talents which will profit them at the long run as there are hidden treasures in artworks.

20 Schools within Amuwo Odofin participated at the event while thirty students from five schools took part in the exhibition and competition. They include Anchorage School, S-Tee School, No Limits Secondary School, Archangel School and GADS College.