In a bid to promote cultural and creative skills in secondary schools, the Niger State Office of the National Institute for Cultural orientation (NICO), Minna visited clubs for sensitization with the theme “The Role of the Nigerian Child in a Creative Economy”.
While addressing the students at Highpoint International School on 27th November, 2023, Mrs. Hajara Kudu Yahaya explained the need why students should embrace creativity and entrepreneurial skills to make legitimate living outside white collar jobs as it is practically impossible for government to provide jobs for the teeming unemployed graduates.
Mrs. Kudu defined creativity as the quality or power of creating or being imaginative. “A society that has lost touch with its creative sides is an imprisoned society”. Creative opens the mind and is a freest form of self expression which allows children to view and solve problems more openly with innovation.
Hajara asserts that Nigerian child plays a crucial role in the creative economy as they are the future leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs who will drive the economy forward. She pointed out areas to which Nigerian child can tap the opportunity to distinguish her from others and helps to improve the nation’s economy. The areas listed are photography, painting, music, dance, make-up and catering. Others are fashion designs, tie and dye and standup comedy to mention few.
On the same day, Miss Ify ifediora was at Police Secondary School, Minna where she stressed the roles of Nigerian child in a creative economy. She highlights benefits of involving the young ones in creative economy which includes; improved self-esteem, sense of belongings, increased skills and knowledge to improve employability. Saying the future of any society lies in the hand of the young ones who will shape and move the economy in years to come.
Furthermore, Mrs. Obi Miriam while addressing students of Railway Schools, Minna encouraged students to acquire basic creative skills so as to enable them employers of labour rather than waiting for the scarce or overwhelmed labour market and Civil Service. She emphasized on the huge benefit of creativity adding that one can stand on his own by earning income even while in school.
In another development, the state office continued her visit to Faham International School, Minna on28th November, 2023. Miss Justina Auta John stressed the significance of a Nigeria child in a creative economy. She recognized the immense potential and talent Nigerian child contribute to the creative and cultural sectors of the Nation’s economy urging parents to provide necessary support their children/wards to thrive and excel.
On 29th November, 2023, Mr. Saidu Ibrahim Musa was at Limawa Day Secondary School, Minna in continuation of NICO Cultural Club visitation to check the progress and activities so far made in the school club. He enlightened the students on the role they could play to improve their economic conditions. Saidu further stated that, vocations available are diverse just as the Nigerian people; therefore, Nigerian child has the opportunity to avail or imbibe any of the skills. He urged relevant stakeholders, parents and teachers to provide a conducive atmosphere for creative industries to thrive.
In addition, Mrs. Nyityo Blessing while at government secondary School, Tunga, Minna urged the students to integrate creative disciplines into formal education system providing access to extracurricular activities. Saying that young minds can be nurtured to think innovativly and express themselves through various artistic mediums. She said exposure to creative pursuits not only enhances individual artistic skills but also instills a sense of cultural pride and identity.
Earlier, the School Teacher Coordinator of Highpoint International School, Minna, Mr. Johnson Samuel on behalf of the school Principal commended NICO management especially the Executive Secretary for the giant stride of bringing life back to cultural clubs in schools to promote and preserve Nigerian rich cultural heritage.
Adamu Mukhtar Onimisi
NICO, Minna.