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  • ‘Why we deploy arts for empowering youths, women’

    ‘Why we deploy arts for empowering youths, women’

    The Street Project Foundation (SPF) uses creative arts as a vehicle for youth empowerment. Its Chairperson, Julia Oku Jacks, is a first class honours graduate of English and Literary Studies from the University of Calabar, Cross River State. Her diverse and rich professional career spans academia, marketing communications and philanthropy. In this interview with Joseph Eshanokpe, Jacks speaks, among others, on the activities of Street Project Foundation in helping youths and women.

    You have navigated both corporate and creative spaces. What is the role of storytelling and creativity in shaping not only brands but also societal change?

    Succinctly put, if you do not tell your story over and again and learn to tell your story in a compelling manner, someone else will be the custodian of your story. Till date,people in the northern hemisphere of the world generally struggle to rid themselves of the concept of Africa as one country where lions and monkeys freely roam and where corruption is rife.

    Most happily, The Street Project Foundation is proactive in telling critical stories of change and more importantly, equipping young creatives to learn the craft of storytelling in order to effect sustainable social change.

    What is the vision of the Street Project Foundation(SPF)?

    Our vision is youth empowerment.

    Why are you using art for mobilising youths and catalysing social change, especially in Nigeria?

    In some shape, form or fashion and to different degrees, all of us are affected by the creative arts and the messages they disseminate. From our traditional songs, our masquerades, our poetry, our dressing, the cadences of our poetic speech patterns, our music which is now a global phenomenon, our performing and visual arts … .all of us are impressed, influenced and affected by the creative arts. Given the impressive and pervasive nature of what comes to us naturally, art is a natural medium for disseminating well crafted messages that can catalyse social change in Nigeria. If you doubt this, consider the upsurge of impressive content creators across digital platforms in the last five years. If they weren’t impactful, their numbers would have diminished.

    Youth unemployment and disillusionment are significant issues in Nigeria. What’s your take on the potential of your foundation as a tool in changing this narrative and improving the lives of youths.

    I strongly believe that every organisation should play to its strengths no matter how attractive it may be to play in other areas. Disillusionment can be measured and tracked just as unemployment figures can be obtained from credible official sources. What The Street Project Foundation seeks to do is to partner with governments and government agencies as much as possible in order to multiply its reach and impact. Having recorded a measure of success through pilot projects in different states in 2023 and 2024, the Foundation is able to draw from the experiences and learnings and find ways to ramp up its ability to work with state and federal governments-to first be in the spaces where decisions are being made to address youth unemployment. When we get to this stage, we must be ready with viable, practical ways to engage the government and help it address these issues in a sustainable and replicable manner.

    This is the challenge we must handle head on.

    The creative sector can be both transformational and challenging for young people. What do you believe your foundation can do to ensure that young people not only find their voice but also build sustainable careers in the arts?

    More of what it’s doing. More institutional support for the organisation so it remains strong and able to branch out into more states in Nigeria. More opportunities to collaborate with governmental and non-governmental agencies in order to broaden its footprint.

    More engagement with cultural custodians at the grassroots. More celebration of our successes so more people know and trust our name and work.

     How can the foundation expand its efforts to ensure that more young women are empowered through the arts to become leaders in their communities?

     The Street Project Foundation is female-led and this in itself sends out a very strong message to our communities and audiences. The Youth Advisory Board also has significant representation by females…this should be part of the stories told to inspire and encourage other women. In addition, many young women are in settings and spaces where they cannot readily be reached by social and other media. Eventually, these underserved communities have to be reached and piggybacking on our traditional creative expressions would be a positive way to reach and mentor these women.

    Many young women in Nigeria face barriers that can affect their dreams. What actions do we need to take to remove those barriers?

    The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. It’s important to recognise that change takes patience, strategic thinking, re-working the strategy, engaging with relevant parties and repeating the process. The Street Project Foundation has already taken several steps in this direction and it will continue the journey creatively and relentlessly.

    At a time young women are redefining what leadership looks like, what advice would you offer to young women who are struggling to find their place in industries where they feel underrepresented, particularly the arts and business?

    Just do it. Believe that you earned the right to be in that place so just stand up and stand out in those spaces where women are not readily found. This speaks to excelling in what we as women bring to the table and silencing those voices that call us impostors. Celebrate other women when they win. Even if you don’t know them, celebrate them because leadership can be lonely. Learn to build networks within and outside your comfort zone and learn to ask for help. This speaks to collaboration, mentoring and coaching. Finally, I want to encourage young women to invest in themselves; attend training programmes both free and paid for and take those opportunities seriously.

    What is the role of your foundation in society?

    Street Project Foundation’s work cuts across cultural, gender, and socio-economic lines.

    How important do you believe cross-cultural dialogue is in the context of youth empowerment, and how can we foster deeper connections among Nigeria’s diverse youth communities?

    Given the enormous cultural diversity of Nigeria, it would be erroneous to assume that we are all having the same life experience even though we live in the same country. Our cultural realities still affect the lens through which we look at life and the way we respond to our realities.

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    Can the foundation affect youths for good without knowing and understanding their cultural realities?

     Not at all. This is why gender and cross cultural engagement remains central to the foundation’s outreaches. Once we remain sensitive to this, then we can break barriers and get to the underlying common ground of life issues which affect us all.

    As the new Board Chair, what are your priorities for the Street Project Foundation and how do you balance the organisation’s goals with your vision?

    I will continue to work with the Board of Trustees and with executives of the foundation and attend as many programmes as possible so I can seek first to understand the lie of the land before I put forward my recommendations. If they differ significantly from the goals, then we have to find a middle level. One thing dear to my heart is to broaden the scope and mix of people who know and engage with the foundation.

    What do you hope will be your lasting contribution to the foundation and to the broader mission of youth and women’s empowerment in Nigeria?

    More donors from within the country; a solid financial base to survive the dry periods that every organisation inevitably faces; outreaches in at least half of the states in Nigeria PLUS our name should ring a bell in places that count.

    If you were to envision a transformed Nigeria about 15 years from now, a Nigeria where the creative arts and youth empowerment have been fully realised, what does that future look like to you? How do you hope the Foundation will have played a role in that vision?

    Ten years from now, I would have long completed my tenure as the chairperson. However, I envision a country where the creative arts and its practitioners are regarded and treated as valuable members of the productive sector of the economy. The arts form the bedrock of industries like tourism and travel, the digital arts, technology, food and innumerable artistic expressions.

    We have to be in the business and policy making conversations too and not just be reactive consumers of policies made without our input. I hope that through its engagement with ever growing numbers of youths on the streets of Nigeria and Africa(eventually), the foundation will be in the vanguard of this charge. Then we will know that our strategy was correct and our mission was true. This is my fervent hope.

  • Leveraging power of arts for social change

    Leveraging power of arts for social change

    After one year of intensive training, Tijani Usman (a.k.a TJ Webstar) has emerged as the best graduating participant at the 2023/2024 Freedom Vibes Academy, and won a cash prize of N500,000. Usman’s winning project is a series of 2D animated song visualizers that tell compelling stories resilient artists leveraging their music to seek justice in Plateau State. He beat ten others that participated in the academy organised by Unchained Vibes Africa. 

    The second position went to Shekwoyemi Kure (aka Love Kure) who produced a series of satirical mockumentary musical projects aimed at sparking dialogues and actions among citizens. He got as cash prize of N400,000. Third and fourth winners are Aminu Mukhtar (aka Aminu Nasara) and Isah Mik’ail Isah (aka Classy Dorayi) Hausa Rapper, but Isah was not awarded the prize because he didn’t submit project proposal, which carries 35 percent of the total scores. In his place, the award was given to the fifth best graduating participant, Abdulbasit Abubakar (AB Wordsmith) who produced of a poetry video that will advocate for social justice and good governance in the city of Kano through powerful words and images that speak to the issues of poverty, education and healthcare. Muktar and Abubakar were awarded a cash prize of N300,000 and N200,000 respectively.

    Speaking at the virtual/physical graduating ceremony in Lagos at the weekend, Executive Producer, Unchained Vibes Africa, Ayodele Ganiu however noted that Isah still has a second chance of producing a project between April and June that aligns with the academy’s objectives.

    He said that the aim of the academy is to train and strengthen the artists’ capacity and sharpen their skills in the use of art for advocacy and social change. To participate in the academy, he stated that in December 2022, an open call was published by Unchained Vibes Africa, inviting applications from emerging socially conscious artists from across Nigeria for a yearlong Freedom Vibes Academy.

    “Approximately 100 applications were received. However, very few women applied. Most of the applications received were from men. The applications were also dominated by candidates from Southern Nigeria. This necessitated the extension of application deadline and encouragement of more applications from women and people from the north.

    “Thirty candidates were shortlisted and interviewed virtually. Taking into consideration the need for inclusiveness and diversity, gender equity and regional representation were observed. After this rigorous process, 16 candidates were selected to participate in the Academy. They comprised young artists in the fields of music, film, literature, visual arts, animation, theatre and others. The artists are from seven states and represent the 6 geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

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    “In January 2023, the 16 artists were brought together for a 3-day in-person training workshop in Lagos where they met and interacted with renowned and accomplished veteran artists, human rights lawyers, civil society organization leaders, experts in cultural policies who were facilitators. The facilitators shared their knowledge and experiences on techniques and best practices in leveraging the power of art for positive social change,” he added.

    Over the course of one year, the 11 participants remotely benefited from virtual mentoring sessions with other accomplished veterans in the local and international creative and cultural sectors including the UN Special

    Rapporteur in cultural rights. To graduate from the Academy, each participant must satisfy the minimum requirements of attendance, the academy task, active engagements on the academy themes and submission of a viable project proposal.

    Special guest of honour legendary actress and culture advocate, Dame Taiwo Ajai-Lycett has tasked the graduating participants to be strong on the level of advocacy for fairness, justice, inclusiveness and compassion, which are all lacking in our polity. “This is a great strategy to give you a purpose driven life. And you must activate it. But remember that as you strive for success, it is the impact that you make that is important.

    Change our world and edify our values that care for one another. Go on this journey, renew, refresh and change our world,” she said.

    Board Chairman of Unchained Vibes Africa, Mr. Jahman Anikulapo urged the participants to imbibe the virtue of being patience in their professional practice.   

  • Senator hails private sector contribution to arts

    Senator hails private sector contribution to arts

    The member representing Enugu West Senatorial District, Senator Osita Ngwu has commended the private sector’s contribution to the development of arts in Nigeria. He said the nation had achieved economic growth in various fields of art through the sector’s efforts.

    Ngwu spoke at the unveiling of a private art gallery, Kachi James Gallery, founded by Miss Kachi Aghasili, in Enugu on Sunday. 

    Ngwu, who inaugurated the gallery, expressed optimism that it would motivate youths who have interest in arts to know where to exhibit their artworks.

    “I’m very happy with what I have seen today. Kachi James just showed the substance she’s made of by bringing this art gallery to Enugu. It’s a private initiative and I commend it completely. This is what the Igbo call ‘aku ruo ulo’. This shows that when you have a part of your investment to where you come from, it shows you have your heart where you come from.

    “I’m hoping that this gallery is going to motivate more youths, who have the talents for arts but lack the exposure such as this. With the number of arts enthusiasts that have trooped into this place to have a look at the colourful paintings, it gives the motivation that they can actually make a living from painting.

    “I commend Kachi James for this initiative, which is a platform to motivate young artists. It’s good to follow your dream and live it in all you do,” he said.

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    The senator, who expressed happiness with the contributions of the private sector, said with the effort of the state government, and the contributions of some of us in the legislature, there will be a new paradigm shift for arts in Enugu and Southeast’.

    The Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Enugu State, Dame Ugochi Madueke, said the state was poised to build a museum where artworks would be showcased.

    Commending Kachi for the initiative to set up an art gallery, Madueke said the Enugu State Government was doing all it could to promote arts and culture.

    “This is a welcome development.  This will bring people into Enugu.  We shall encourage our youths to emulate what Kachi has done and tap into it; let’s all of us work to make Enugu a destination,” she added.

    Kachi said her love for arts and intellectual property motivated her to establish the gallery.

    Kachi, who is a lawyer in the United States of America, said she set up the gallery to present a ground where “we can host emerging and popular artists”.

  • CBAAC chief seeks investments in arts education to nurture local talents

    CBAAC chief seeks investments in arts education to nurture local talents

    Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) Mrs. Olubunmi Amao has urged both the Federal and the state governments to invest more in arts education from an early age to nurture local talents, among students.

    Amao said state governments should give priority to investments in arts education.

    The CBAAC D-G, was represented by Mr. Adesegun Dosumu, Deputy Director of the Centre, at the second General Nigerian Studies Day and the investiture of the LASU Vice-Chancellor as the Grand Commander of GNS  on Tuesday in Lagos.

    The programme was organised by Centre For General Nigerian Studies, Lagos State University (LASU) with the theme: “Lagos Today, Lagos Tomorrow.”

    She said cultivating a thriving cultural scene also benefited education.

    “Schools and institutions should compulsorily integrate arts and culture into their curriculum to foster creativity, critical thinking and problem solving skills, among students.

    “This equips the next generation with the tools they need to contribute to Lagos development.

    “The establishment of art schools, cultural academies, scholarships, funding and grants opportunities for innovative cultural projects will further encourage the experimentation and fusion of traditional and contemporary elements within the city,” Amao said.

    She noted that culture plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Lagos by fostering sustainable cultural growth and innovation.

    “Arts and culture help define and preserve Lagos’ unique identity, this cultural identity could serve as a source of resilience in the face of rapid urbanisation and globalisation.

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    “As Lagos continues to grow into a mega-global city, investing in more government-owned cultural infrastructures will stimulate economic development and recreate more revenue for the city.”

    “Lagos can leverage its artistic and cultural community as a hub for innovation by establishing creative hubs and co-working spaces that bring artists and innovators together.

    “There should be development of dedicated cultural districts or neighbourhoods where artists, musicians and creatives can live, work and showcase their talents, something more like an Artistes’ village,” Amao said.

    She added that cultivating a thriving cultural scene also benefits education, schools and institutions should compulsorily integrate arts and culture into their curriculum to foster creativity and problem solving skills among students.

    “The arts and culture sector in Lagos have immense potentials to shape the city’s future in a sustainable and innovation way.

    “By leveraging these strategies, Lagos can build upon the success of FESTAC 77 to create a sustainable cultural ecosystem that fosters creativity and preserve cultural heritages.

    “They can also promote community engagements in order to drive innovation, economic growth, community well-being and enhance the city’s cultural richness and global prominence,” Amao said.

    Prof. Olatunji-Bello said GNS Day was set aside to celebrate the cultural heritage of Lagos, Lagosians and Nigeria as a whole.

    She said that as Lagos flagship institution, “we owe it a duty to teach, promote and celebrate the cultural heritage of Lagos, it’s people and history, so that we could value what we have and set the path for our young ones.

    “Many of our young ones are here today, to follow and learn our cultural heritage, so it can be preserved for generations to come.

    “By organising a programme like this, we are honouring the past, celebrating the present, and shaping the future of this vibrant city,” he said.

    Dr. Olusola Sokefun, Assistant Director, Centre for General Nigerian Studies, LASU, said the programme was to showcase the department’s activities and honour the former leaders in the centre and students, who had done excellently well in GNS courses.

    Prof. Olatunji-Bello was conferred with the Grand Commander of General Nigerian Studies, LASU, former leaders of the Centre of GNS; Prof Dapo Ashaju and Prof. Abiodun Akinpelu were also decorated.

    Five students from different departments were decorated for being the best students in GNS courses.

    Students from LASU Department of Theatre Arts, LASU International School, pupils of LASU Staff School, Honeyland International and Lagos State University of Education displayed different cultural and musical performances.

  • ‘How to unlock values in arts industry’

    ‘How to unlock values in arts industry’

    A co-director of Patrons MCAA, Peter Imo, has outlined steps that should be taken by Nigeria to turn its arts sector into a multi-billion-naira industry.

    Speaking during the announcement of the upcoming small & iconic miniature exhibition billed to take place between September 30 and October 15, Imo said one step that should be taken by Africa’s most populous nation is to make the arts attractive to young and old.

    He said the step requires making annual budgetary allocations to the arts sector in order to make local works gain more international traction.

    “Arts is not a sector for the government alone. There should be a concerted effort by all the stakeholders to make the industry attractive. One way we can do it is to begin to make budgetary allocations to support Nigerian arts.

    “For instance, getting Nigerian artworks and artists to participate in global exhibitions and events requires money. Several local artists also need money to produce artworks that will, in turn, bring revenue into the economy. They need that support to gain the needed global relevance,” he noted.

    “However, other stakeholders must also invest in the sector,” he noted.

    The arts industry in Kenya contributes five per cent to the gross domestic product, while South Africa’s is about 15 percent. India’s arts and creative industries contribute 2.8 per cent to the country’s GDP, while Nigeria only shares 0.21 percent.

    Imo said this is not good enough, stressing that the country must begin to provide incentives for investors.

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    “One of the 10 principles of economics is that people respond to incentives. Once we begin to provide incentives to local and foreign players willing to put their money into the arts sector, more will be encouraged to come in,” he noted. 

    He said that Patrons MCAA’s forthcoming exhibition, “5 in Focus”, is geared towards showcasing the potential in Nigerian and African arts industry.

    Imo explained that the exhibition, which will take place at The Art Hotel in Lagos, is the fifth edition and will feature five artists from Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda, Cameroon and France.

    He disclosed that the artists will showcase five works of art each, making the exhibition competitive and exciting.

    Imo described the forthcoming exhibition as an immersive showcase of boundless creativity.

    “With great pride, we will present five exceptional artists from five diverse nations – Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda, and France. This exhibition seamlessly weaves together cultures, styles, and perspectives to ignite a dynamic celebration of creativity. More than an exhibition, it’s an invitation to embrace the convergence of vision, variety, and vibrancy that only ‘V in Focus’ can offer,” he noted.

    He listed the artists as Lambert Shumbusho (Rwanda/France), Abrifor Silas (Nigeria), Justine Gaga (Cameroon), O’Dare Adenuga (Nigeria), and Thabiso Dakamela (South Africa).

  • Ogun professionals decry political violence in state

    The League of Ogun State Professionals (LOOP), an organisation comprising indigenes of Ogun State in Sciences, Arts, Law, Media and Business, has expressed worry about the spate of violence across the state, especially in the run-up to the forthcoming general elections.

    In a statement by its President and the General Secretary, Wale Sanyaolu and Dr. Bayo Ogunade, LOOP said: “We are particularly worried by this spate of politically-induced violence with their audacious nature and the renewed vigour that they are being unleashed on innocent residents of the state.

    “We recall with sadness that this violence started in November 2018 with what we had initially thought would be just limited to the party, whose primaries turned bloody at that period. But our wish has been dashed with the commencement of the general campaigns by all parties.

    “Even though it seems all the major four political parties in the state are involved in this politically-induced violence, LOOP is saddened that the political thugs, allegedly sponsored by our governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, are becoming vicious and daring as the elections draw nearer.

    “We were all shocked by the hooliganism displayed by this set of thugs during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential rally in the state. Out of the states visited by President Muhammadu Buhari and our own Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, we were disappointed that it was in our own state, the land of dignified people, that missiles were thrown into the Presidential box, which had the President seated.

    “Though many people had condemned this act, we felt then that the ‘senseless’ nature of that act and the wide condemnation would make Governor Amosun see reason and reign in these political thugs. But alas, this was not the case…”

     

     

  • Corona pupils top arts, sports fiesta

    The importance of extracurricular activities was highlighted at an Art and Sports competition, involving nine primary schools in Lagos.

    The event, which was organised by the Neander International Schools, was held at its premises in Epe. It had pupils participating in a still-life art drawing for arts and various field and track events in sports.

    The schools were Corona Schools; Kiddie Quest School; Smiley Kids International School; White Horse Montessori School; Loban Genius School; Standard Bearers Schools; Delphi International Schools; Bowine Schools and Maria Breed Schools.

    The art competition had judges, who are established artists, Aisha Idris and Bolaji Ogunwo. The pupils, who exhibited high level of creativity both in the art and sports were a cynosure as parents, guardians, teachers and spectators  applauded them. For those who participated in the drawing competition, a still-life composition was set with a few minutes given to test their artistic acumen; while the track and field event, 100m, 200m and relay race for both boys and girls held.

    The judges observed that the children have bundles of talents lurking inside them that need expression. “The pupils are between the age bracket of 6 to 11 year-old and what I saw in them are willingness and ability to interpret art at young age.

    “Some of them may not be artists in the long run, but I saw upcoming creative potentials that can be brewed to stardom,” Ogunwo said.

    At the end of the competition, pupils from Corona Schools emerged first and second best in drawings; while third position went to a pupil from Smiley Kids International School. In the sport segment, Corona School also won the first position, followed by Kidddie Quest, while the third position went to White Horse Montessori School.

    Mr. Charles Okafor, art teacher with one of the participating schools, said: “What the children displayed here today is good and will give room for more grooming. The spontaneity of the occasion gives the children some extra challenge from doing their normal best at school.”

    While Ufoma Usivwe, art teacher with Neander International Schools simply sums up the competition as “fantastic.”

    Holding the competition in his school, according to Neander International Schools, Principal, Mr Idris Agbaje, to take children out of their comfort zone to appreciate competition beyond the normal common entrance examination which is only what they know.

    “We organised this event for primary schools basically to help these young ones exhibit their talents. Schooling should not just be about academics alone. Children should not be hooked up in the four walls of the classroom all the time. It was to show good neighbourliness among schools within us and those we partner. The outcome of the competition shows that the country has a wealth of talent that requires tapping into,” he said.

    He urged parents to release their wards for competitive events outside school curriculum, saying that it is the only way children can adapt fast and express their hidden talents with other children in the society.

    Speaking further, he said: “Competition like this allow them to express their hidden talent and imbibe the spirit of competition and also the spirit of sportsmanship.” According to him, “it is not everyone of them won, but they have learnt to take loses in good faith, which the society needs most at this time of do or die affair in the polity.”

  • Arts, entertainment industry veritable platform to grow GDP, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has reiterated the commitment of his administration to continue to play up the Arts and Entertainment industry to grow the economy and positively engage the youth.

    The governor said the sector remains a veritable platform to improve the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state and Nigeria.

    Ambode spoke at the performance of a stage play, titled: Oba Esugbayi, at MUSON Centre in Lagos.

    The governor recalled that since the inception of his administration, he had made conscious efforts to invest in the Arts and Entertainment sector due to its strategic importance to the country, if the potential was properly harnessed.

    Describing the sector as the future of the state, Ambode said the investment so far made in it was geared towards using the industry as a springboard to plan for the burgeoning youth population in the state.

    He said: “Obviously, I am a lover of arts; as a government, we have invested so much in culture, entertainment and so on. The real GDP of Lagos is in entertainment and arts because that is where the future is.

    “The population dynamics of Lagos is like 65 per cent below the age of 35 and you have to start to find somewhere to actually fill in that gap to grow the GDP of Lagos. That is why we have decided that we would promote a lot of things in arts, culture and entertainment. That is just the right way to go.”

  • ‘Arts, education create fun’

    Child development advocate and founder Delightsome Land School, Victoria Island, Lagos, Tayo Olanrewaju has said that the synergy between arts and education creates fun. She expressed shock on how overtime fun has been taken out of arts and education.

    According to her, most people associate the system that promotes learning for self and social development to mean difficulty, sweat and tears. “But to me, arts and education should be fun. It depends on your perspective,” she added.

    Olanrewaju stressed that she is in support of arts in synergy with education, self-development and societal upliftment likeother profession. She however expressed worry that the drudgery we have replaced fun with is not serving its purpose.

    “Learning is fun. I mean human beings have a natural curious element that makes us want to know new things. But, somehow we are forgetting to want to learn new things that will make us better as a whole. We choose to learn new things that have no meaning. Human beings would not be fulfilled remaining at the same level of knowledge all the time. We want to know new things. It’s all about perspective. It’s about vision. What are we looking at? Who are we trying to become, and to what purpose?”

    She disclosed that she is working on a few projects to promote her passion for arts education and child development. But, she is keeping details close to her chest until the time is right.”The problem is near endemic and something must be done about the future of our children and our nation. Someone has got to do it. I may be the one to start the fire that will grow and engulf the whole forest,” she added.

  • Anambra empowers youths with arts

    Anambra State  Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism Mrs. Sally Mbanefo has said Governor Willie Obiano-led administration is working towards empowering the youths through a talent hunt.

    The purpose of the hunt, she said, is to discover culturally-talented youths, train and empower them to be useful to themselves and the society.

    Mrs. Mbanefo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Tony Ezenwaka, spoke at the first Anambra talent hunt, organised by the ministry, in collaboration with Black Heritage Creative Entertainment International at Beautiful Gate Hotel in Awka.

    She noted that the hunt was part of  Obiano’s agenda  to further uphold the Igbo culture through arts. ”Arts is an aspect of our culture that has almost gone into extinction, that is why the present administration has included indigenous artworks to the Ministry’s portfolio to enable the state government through arts to recreate, polish and brush up our culture,” she said.

    She, therefore, advised the youths to utilise the kind gesture from the government and explore it to the fullest.

    Earlier, Director,  Culture in the Ministry,  Nkiru Ekemordi, a Barrister, said Anambra talent hunt is a platform created for the youths in the state to showcase their various talents in different forms so that they can be gainfully engaged to help reduce crime in the society.

    She said the audition was a hunt for cultural dancers, actors, drummers, flutists, Igbo rappers (IMA mbe) artists,(painting,drawing, beadmaking ) and acrobats.

    Ekemordi added that successful participants will be entitled to be a member of Anambra State Cultural Troupe to represent the state in various cultural outings and participate in the 2018 European tour.

    Also, in a separate remark, Dr Tochukwu Okeke of Theatre Arts Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and Mr. Okoji Robot, Director of Culture in  Abia State, commended the Governor and the Ministry for the laudable step in helping the youths to discover their talent and for empowering them through their talents.

    They stated that this will help get the youths off the streets while appealing to the state government to further build a cultural center for the Ministry to serve as a rallying point for the young talents.