The Head, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) Enugu State Office, Mr. Nnaemeka Nwajagu, has described Arts and Culture as twin factors, which if properly harnessed, will better the future generation of Nigerian children.
Mr. Nwajagu stated this at an Art Competition/Exhibition, with the theme, “Say No To Child Labour,” organized by the National Gallery of Art (NGA), at their office premises in Enugu, to mark 2014 Children’s Day Celebrations.
The NICO Enugu boss, who was speaking, as the Guest of Honour, identified Arts and Culture which are drawn from the people as the clearest form of communication that tell people the acceptable way of doing things.
He also charged parents to go back to our core values and norms because the tenets we inculcate in a child live with him/her forever, further pleading with State Governments to adopt and domesticate the Child Rights Act for the benefit of the poor children in the society.
Earlier in his opening speech, the Head of Station (HOS) of the National Gallery of Art (NGA), Enugu, Mr. James Irabor who stood in for the Director-General, Alhaji Abdullahi Muku, said the Agency had carefully chosen this year’s theme, “Say No To Child Labour,” as a firm commitment to improving the lots of Nigerian children, who have been the victims of several social vices in the society; adding that this will protect the dreams of Nigerian children and help realize their aspirations in life for peace and positive development of our country.
On his part, the Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Goddy Udeh said children should be celebrated daily through encouragement and character reformative measures which will help mould them into adulthood, describing Art as an expression which has more illustrations to explain things with signs and pictures with creative ingenuity.
In his vote of thanks, the Head of Research Department, NGA, Enugu, Mr. Edozie Ben, urged parents to nurture their children properly because they were the highest legacies they would leave, just as he also appreciated the invited guests especially those from the culture industry.
The occasion featured Art Exhibition and cultural renditions which were competed among the invited schools in Enugu state, and prices were given for deserving performances; while there was also drama presentation by the pupils of primary and students of secondary schools in attendance.
Kingsley Ngoka
Corporate Affairs
NICO Enugu State Office