By Adeyemo Elizabeth
It was a beehive of activities in celebration of Nigerian culture by children at the main exhibition hall, National Theatre, Iganmu Lagos last week when the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) celebrated its annual children’s cultural Festival.

This year’s edition which is the 8th edition was tagged “ African Culture: the beauty in diversity”. The event was graced by dignitaries from within and outside the nation some of which are: the Deputy Governor of Lagos State represented by Mrs. Alaba Fadairo, the Honourable Minister Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation; High Chief Edem Duke, the Oba Henwa of Kweme kingdom; His Royal Highness, Dr. Sejiro Olalekan Ogungbe James J.P, Miss Museum and Tourism; Patience Okon, the President and Vice President of Black is Beautiful; Chioma Brown and Willie Workman.

In celebration of the festival, several schools in Lagos were invited to the event and the audience was dominated by children mostly from different schools. Some of the schools in attendance were; Stepfield international college, Alwajud Nursery and Primary School, Awodiora Secondary School, Federal Science and Technical College Yaba, The International school, University of Lagos, PEDAM Nursery and Primary School, Redeemers International College, Rolex Comprehensive High School, Amazing Grace Private Secondary School, Goke Remi Secondary School, Festac Girls Secondary School, Solid Rock College, Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Ojo, Temitope Nursery and Primary School, Holy Child School e.t.c

The atmosphere was filled with fun and laughter as the children participated in the activities of the day; and they left the audience stunned with their performances. The program began with a rendition of the National Anthem led by Uncle Jimi’s band after which introductions were made by Sam Anyamele.

After the introductions were made two members of NANTAP came on stage to entertain the audience in a comedy drama which revolved round the theme of the festival and also highlighted happenings in the society such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the numerous failure of the Super Eagles. NANTAP left the stage with the audience rollicking with laughter

“distinguished ladies and gentlemen, you will agree with me that our children deserve much attention and celebration. This is because they represent continuity and serve as the vital bridge that connects us with the future.

To achieve the transfer of positive values in their lives, we must build in them those values that will make them useful and responsible citizens of tomorrow. This is our motivation for celebrating these children annually especially during the festive season” the Director General CABAAC said in his opening address.

The Jimi Solanke’s band came on stage to thrill the audience with their performance. The leader of the band, Uncle Jimi awed he audience not only with his song but also with the way he twisted his body to the rhythm of the beat. The audience were entranced in their seat as they watched Uncle Jimi perform.

The Culture and Tourism minister Edem Duke in his brief remark charged the people present to invest in children because they are the hope Nigeria has gotten for the future to fight against corruption, atrocities, and wrong doings in the nation. He also displayed his friendliness and love for children when he invited two children from each school to join him on the stage after which he sang with Uncle Jimi’s band.

As the festival progressed, various schools present displayed different cultural dances. The children were beautifully claded in traditional costumes as they performed. But it was not just about performance, it was the competition among the schools.