By Priscilla Osaje
Artistic Director/ CEO of the National Troupe of Nigeria, Ahmed M. Ahmed, has called on parents to revive their cultural values in their children for the betterment of the society.
Ahmed made this call at the ‘Folklore Performance Competition(FPC)’ among schools at the Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps on Friday in Abuja.
He said the 10th edition of the Children’s Creative Station Workshop(CCSW), was celebrated in commemoration of ‘International Theatre Day(NTD)’, aimed at restoring hope to the children in the camps, who were victims of circumstances.
According to him, children learning their cultural values at home and in school, will go a long way in reviving the cultural values in order to avoid dissipate , as well as helping in exposing the children to many new things.
” As African and Nigerian, we see the need to engage children in IDP camps in Abuja, simply because they are separated from their natural environment.
“We strongly believe that through the FPC programme , children will learn new things, develop interest in folklore and such will inspired them.
” The excess of CCSW is to nurture the creative talents of our children in a cultural atmosphere, as well as instilling values such as team spirit, peaceful coexistence, love , building creativity, patience among others,” he said.
Ahmed assured the children of adequate support and assistance from the Federal Government, stakeholders and individuals, adding that they were not forgotten.
Mrs Clara M. Pulido Escandell. Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria. , in her goodwill message, commended NTN on such initiative in showcasing Nigeria rich cultural heritage, as such was a great previlege to everyone.
The ambassador said that such programme in the IDPs camp would make the children to feel at home , as well as bring them close to their culture.
She added that such a remarkable programme should cut across all the IDP camps in the states to give the children there sense of belonging.
Also speaking, Mr Oluwabunmi Amao, Director -General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation(CBAAC), in his goodwill message, said that for the children in the IDP camps to feel good there was need to carry them along.
Amao reiterated commitment of its organisation in the support and collaboration with NTN for a better society.
Among some dignitaries at the occasion were Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, Executive Director, National Film and Video Censors Board and Mrs. Clara M. Pulido Escandell. Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria.
Others were Mr Otunba Runsewe, Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture and Mr Osita Okechukwu, Director General of Voice of Nigeria.
Highlights of the event were the Folklore Performance Competition among students of Sharing Prosperity School, Junior Secondary School Karamagigi, Betherbel Foundation, as well as presentation of certificate to schools for their participations
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Junior Secondary School Karamajigi emerged winner with a prize of N100,000.(NAN)