Film  

NigeriaUnites to awaken citizens’ consciousness through arts

By Victoria Ojugbana

19 June 2016   |   2:40 am

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To ensure that community engagement becomes a tacit part of Nigerians’ socio-cultural make-up, NigeriaUnites (NU), a non-profit organisation, is to utilise the country’s diverse artistic ...

Toyosi Lana

To ensure that community engagement becomes a tacit part of Nigerians’ socio-cultural make-up, NigeriaUnites (NU), a non-profit organisation, is to utilise the country’s diverse artistic talent pool to inform and involve people in social causes.

The Chief organiser, NigeriaUnites/Founder of William and Margaret Foundation, Toyosi Lana, while speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Monday, said the foundation aims to use arts to awaken social consciousness among the people.

The NU will hold its Charity Showcase on July 14 at 6.00 pm at the AGIP Hall of MUSON Centre, Onikan.

The NU, a signature programme of William and Margaret Foundation birthed to utilise Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity to awaken civic consciousness and promote participation in civic life by more Nigerians, also utilises the immense artistic talent and growing entertainment industry to raise funds, as well as inform and engage people about laudable charitable projects.

Also at the event, representative of NU’s Board of Trustees, Omobola Lana, said the foundation, which aims to give back to the society through the use of arts, will be done bi-annually. Lana urged Nigerians to become service-minded, adding that “with arts, the NU will draw the citizenry to civic engagement and community development. ”

While urging Nigerians to have the mindset of change, she noted that when the citizens realise that serving the community is serving themselves, they can better the work of the government.

“The inaugural event will recognise and appreciate impacting charitable initiatives, as nominated and voted for by the public. It will also feature Nigeria’s diverse artistic talent pool as Wole Oguntokun’s Renegade Theatre, Kaffy’s Imagneto Dance Company and the saxophone stylings of Funmi Sax, will perform at the event,” Lana said.

Voting is still open for all nominated charities contributing tangibly to their communities.

“The foundation aims to liberate the way Nigerians think, to focus on little things that people do to impact their community. It also recognises people who impact positively on their society,” Lana said.