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Winners emerge in 2019 National Art Competition

By Chuks Nwanne
16 November 2019   |   3:00 am
The Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, recently played host to talented students from across the country that made it to the grand finale of this year’s National Art Competition for Nigerian Secondary Schools. Held under the theme, Advancing Nigeria Through Technology, the initiative aims to promote creativity in the Nigerian child, use art to…

Senior category 2nd prize winner, Elue Ezinne Ebube (left); 1st prize winner Francis Naribet and 3rd prize winner Ibenwanwo Anthony at the event in Lagos

The Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, recently played host to talented students from across the country that made it to the grand finale of this year’s National Art Competition for Nigerian Secondary Schools.

Held under the theme, Advancing Nigeria Through Technology, the initiative aims to promote creativity in the Nigerian child, use art to achieve patriotism about Nigeria from early stages of youth development, create early awareness of social matters and values in Nigeria, as well as demonstrate promoter’s commitment to youth development.

A total of 20 students made it to the grand finale of the art competition, which was initiated in 2005. In the junior category are Bokeshemi Mezeshai Uje of UNIBEN Demonstration Secondary School, Edo State; Iribhogbe Omuua Oshorhiamene of UNIBEN Demonstration School; Orelu David Olopete of Holy Breed Secondary school, Okpella, Edo State; Awesu Boluwatife of Michael Alabstar College, Badagry; Wordu Ikechi Samuel of Bereton Montessori Secondary School, Port Harcourt; Erhabor Iwinnosa Faithfulness of UNIBEN Demonstration Secondary School; Victor Ogechukwu Ezekwudo of CITA High School, Port Harcourt; Ogbomo Esosa Gift of UNIBEN Demonstration Secondary School; Adeniyi Gift of Landmark University Secondary School, Omuaran, Kwara State and Itoro Usoro Usoro of Bright Star Model School, Uyo.

Contenders in the senior category are Njoku Ihuoma Blessing of UNIBEN Demonstration Secondary School; Toluwalope Temidayo of Redeemer’s International Academy, Ifewara, Osun State; Sokenu Daniel Semawon of Redeemer’s International College; Elue Ezinne Ebube of Lawrence Prestine Academy, Asaba; Amodu Olamide Evan of Faith Academy, Canaaland, Ota; Muhammad Mahmoud Nalado of Federal Government College, Keffi, Nassarawa State; Ibenwanwo Anthony of UNIBEN Demonstration Secondary School; Thomas Olaoluwa of Temple Secondary School; Francis Isa Nanribet of Redeemed Peoples Academy, Jos and Barawi-Moses Foleh of CITA High School, Port Harcourt.

The 20 works from the finalists were on display at the event where guests and judges had the opportunity of visiting the exhibition stand. After a careful examination by the panel of judges, 12-year old Ogbomo Esosa Gift of UNIBEN Demonstration Secondary School was adjudged winner in the junior category with N100,000 worth of scholarship to be paid yearly till she finishes secondary school. On the other hand, 13-year old Iribhogbe Omuua Oshorhiamene from the same school emerged second, while 11-year old Oreolu David Olopete of Holy Breed Secondary School, Okpella took third position; they got N75,000 and N65,000 scholarship respectively.

In the senior category, 15-year old Francis Isa Naribet of Redeemed Peoples Academy Jos took first position with N100,000, while 16-year old Elue Ezinne Ebube of Lawrence Prestine Academy, Asaba and 18-year old Ibenwanwo Anthony of UNIBEN Demonstration secondary school emerged second and third respectively. Both also got N75,000 and N65,000 respectively.

In his address, Chairman/Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria Limited Jeff Ewing said Chevron has consistently demonstrated its commitment through various social investments, ranging from education, health, to economic empowerment. He informed that the National Art Competition is aimed at promoting and fostering creativity in the Nigerian children by spurring their interests in creative art and equipping them for the workplace and the future.

“For us, the art competition is an enduring investment in education that enables students to think outside the box, move beyond boundaries and seek different ways to proffer solutions. It is also, an investment that is aimed at improving the lives of our young stars. That’s why we reward our champions with a full scholarship package to encourage them to keep excelling in their chosen academic field. We believe this is one way to ensure a better society.”

Ewing noted that the participants at this year’s competition have shown that they are true representatives of our great country Nigeria.

“I congratulate them with all sincerity and I respect their mettle for venturing into a competition where there were several participants and did not have an inkling of the outcome; that takes courage. And here we are today, rewarding them for it.”

I hope this fills in as an indicator to the individuals who felt uncertain of themselves and their abilities and did not submit any entries that first courageous step is necessary to become a champion,” he said.

In his remarks, the Group General Manager, NAPIMS Musa Lawan expressed appreciation to the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, who in partnership with the government and other stakeholders, have made this yearly event possible.

“Consistently, we have demonstrated our commitment to promoting and advancing quality education in Nigeria. Also, the education support strategy has been significant in enhancing access to education for all Nigerians. This project has contributed to an increase in participation in fine art amongst our children and rising interest of the public to art appreciation. I urge us to continue to nurture and sustain this partnership.”

To the winners, he said, “the time has come to celebrate your success. I congratulate you all on showcasing that our country, Nigeria can be advanced through technology through your various work. I have faith in you that you will continually excel in the field of art.”

Meanwhile, the Minister Of Education Mallam Adamu Adamu, who spoke through a representative said the initiative from inception has enjoyed undivided attention and support from the ministry.

“We believe strongly in the achievement and future of every child knowing completely well that art education is a necessary piece of human and societal development at large. To consistently make progress in art as a nation, we must coach our children to think creatively and become champions, not simply preparing them to end up good employees. Consequently, we require a rich and enormous curriculum for art that exposes our children to all essential-fundamental knowledge they need, that will enable them to make a noteworthy impression in the field of art. This competition is one of those things that would empower the enthusiasm of art in the minds of our champions and broaden their minds, empowering them to be more creative.”

The Joint Venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Chevron Nigeria Limited, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, initiated the national Art Competition for Nigerian Secondary Schools in 2005. The competition 9is dedicated to the promotion and development of contemporary art among students by creating a platform for them to demonstrate their skill and talent through art.

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