The 3rd Talban Minna Inter-Schools Arts Competition/ Exhibition, with the theme, “Arts for Peace,” a programme poised to bring out the talents in young children and develop them creatively, has taken place in Minna, keenly contested by various schools in Niger State.

This event, which was held on 15th May, 2014, at the UK Bello Arts Theatre, Minna, Niger State, was widespread, as schools from all the three geo-political zones in the state were contacted to submit entries for final selection and all those whose entries qualified for the finals were invited for the on-the-spot assessment which was witnessed by invited guests.

In his opening speech, the Permanent Secretary, Niger State Council for Arts and Culture, Alhaji Kabir Mohammed Dan’Asabe, said that the programme has been a veritable tool for the Arts Council to hunt for young talents in the field of Art, adding that the interest by participants was overwhelming.

New Picture 2In her goodwill message, the Head, NICO Minna State Office, National Institute for Cultural Orientation, Mrs. Funke Ndukwe, said that the creative arts constitute one of the paramount components of the tangible culture of the people, quoting George Bernard Shaw, as saying, “Imagination is the beginning of creation; you imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last, you create what you will;” and that the competition will inspire the culture of peace, hope and education for non-violence, as alternatives to create a sustainable, equitable and harmonious society.

Other dignitaries at the programme include, Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Mrs Susan A. Gana, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Deborah D. Salawu, the Executive Director/CEO, National Council for Arts & Culture, Mr. MM Maidugu, Curator, National Museum, Minna, Mr. P. M. Usman, and Curator/Head of Station, National Gallery of Art, Minna, Mr. Eze Mgbemene.

Akanle Oyewole and Imomion Grace

Corporate Affairs Unit

NICO Minna