By Agnes Afolabi
Mrs Olubunmi Amao, Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization, (CBAAC) has urged both federal and states government to invest more in arts education from an early age to nurture local talents among students.
Amao said that state governments should give priority to investments in arts education.
Amao, was represented by Mr Adesegun Dosumu, Deputy Director of the Centre, at the second edition of General Nigerian Studies day and the investiture of the LASU Vice-Chancellor as the Grand Commander of GNS 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 that cultivating a thriving cultural scene also benefits 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 play 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.
“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, 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. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Vice-Chancellor, LASU, said that GNS Day was set aside to celebrate the cultural heritage of Lagos, Lagosians and Nigeria as a whole.
Olatunji-Bello, 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 our department activities and honour our former leaders in the centre and students, who had done excellently well in the GNS courses”.
Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, VC, LASU was conferred as Grand Commander of General Nigerian Studies, LASU former leaders of the Centre of GNS; Prof Dapo Ashaju and Prof. Abiodun were also decorated.
Five students from different departments were decorated for been the best students in GNS courses.
Students from LASU Department of Theatre and Art, LASU International School, pupils of LASU Staff School, Honey Land International and Lagos State University of Education displayed different cultural activities and musical performances.
