The third edition of the Nigerian Arts and Culture Festival (NACAF) recently took place at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) in Ikorodu.
Under the theme “Catch Them Young,” the festival drew over a thousand students aged six to 16 from 33 schools—both public and private—from around the country. The event aimed to empower children with valuable skills while instilling the importance of unity in Nigeria.
The festival provided a platform for building connections. Participants learned essential life values and were encouraged to reject negative influences such as child prostitution, cultism, and examination malpractice.
Organized by the Oshodi Arts Gallery Foundation, the festival kicked off with a vibrant march-past, welcoming guests. This was followed by engaging games and competitions, including cultural dances and performances.
A highlight of the event was the traditional march past, where schools showcased their rich cultural heritage, with trophies awarded to the top three performances.
In her goodwill message, Minister of Tourism Lola Ade-John emphasized that the festival’s theme offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the creativity, talent, and limitless potential of every child. She highlighted the vital role of arts, culture, and education in the complete development of children, stating, “This theme reminds us of our responsibility to safeguard their welfare and protect their rights. Every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment that promotes intellectual growth. However, we must recognize that many children still face various forms of exploitation, abuse, and neglect.”
Encouraging the children to unleash their creativity, embrace diversity, and dream big, she urged everyone to reaffirm the commitment to “catch them young,” not only through words but also through meaningful actions.
The festival featured informative talks aimed at educating students on critical societal issues, such as drug abuse. Delegates from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fayoade Adegoke, conducted discussions on the importance of avoiding drugs, crime, and activities that could lead to harm, emphasizing the serious consequences of such choices.
Dr. Oshodi Seyi Paul, CEO of Oshodi Arts Gallery, expressed his gratitude to the participating schools and attending guests. He acknowledged the valuable support from contributors to the festival’s success and indicated that future editions will be held in the central part of NACAF in Lagos State.
