The ancient city of Ibadan is set to host the 7th Edition of the Young Artists Art Hub School Competition in collaboration with the National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan.
The annual event, convened by Afro-Brazilian and award-winning female artist Olaide Turner-Moyet, will feature 20 public and private secondary schools from across Ibadan competing in visual arts, music, dance, poetry, crafts, and oratory.
Speaking with journalists, Turner-Moyet said the event is aimed at promoting cultural pride and artistic excellence among the youth. She described the competition as a platform for cultural renaissance and a celebration of African identity.
Dignitaries expected at the event include Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Segun Olayiwola; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun; and Mrs. Oriyomi Pamela Otuka, Zonal Director (South West) and Curator of the National Museum of Unity.
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Renowned artist and professor, Chief Tunde Odunlade, will chair the event, while Ibadan-based painter Mr. Omofemi Oluwole will be honoured as Artist of the Day. The programme will be anchored by media personality and Prince 89.7FM correspondent, Olawale Ogunbusola.
Turner-Moyet reaffirmed that the initiative is about encouraging students to take pride in their African heritage and creativity, saying, “The whole idea is to celebrate Africanness—being Black, being proud.”
“Music, drama, poetry, crafts, these are not just art forms for entertainment only, they are vessels of our identity. This initiative is a continuum of ancestral tools for expressing and appreciating life.”
She explained that the initiative has been a decade in the making, aiming to instil cultural pride and continuity through creative expression.
She noted the essence of socialisation, networking and appreciating innateness, adding that the event will greatly help support student participants’ exposure and social networking beyond physical contacts.
The Young Artists Arthub Competition continues to stand as a beacon of cultural education, innovation, and creative growth for the youth of Ibadan and beyond.