By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a vibrant celebration of youthful creativity, the Fine and Applied Arts Department of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) Staff Secondary School has successfully launched its inaugural art exhibition, titled "The First of the Series." Which also featured the official launch of the exhibition catalogue.
Is held on Thursday at the ASCON Staff School Multipurpose Hall in Topo Idale, Badagry, Lagos State, marking a significant milestone for arts education in the region.
Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, lending his support through his representative, Pascal Ajande. In his address, Ajande commended the students for their hard work and ingenuity. "Exhibitions like this one provide a platform for you to demonstrate your skills and learn from one another," he stated.
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He urged the young minds to dream big, emphasizing their power to shape the future. "Your exhibits today demonstrate your potential to make a positive impact in the world. I urge you to continue nurturing your talents and interests," the Commissioner's message concluded, reinforcing the government's focus on youth empowerment.
Mr. Mukaila Yusuf, the coordinator of the art exhibition, expressed his astonishment and delight at the turnout. "This looks very interesting to me; I didn't know people could turn up this much," Yusuf remarked. "It don't even know this even can happen as being the first attempt, I only said let me just try but fortunately the trial turned out to be successful."
He noted that the patronage was promising for a first effort and expressed confidence that future editions would see even greater engagement. He also had a message for parents: "The parents should allow the children to choose their career and they should support them," championing the importance of parental support in nurturing artistic passions.
The Principal of ASCON Staff Secondary School, Mr. Senapon Medemaku, described the exhibition as an "eye-opener." Medemaku praised the students and teachers for the outstanding display of talent and promised that this was only the beginning.
"Subsequently, people should be expecting more as we are going to encourage our students and the teachers to do better," the Principal stated, adding that it serves as a challenge to other departments within the school. Medemaku also advised parents to "encourage their children, especially those that are bringing out the creativity in them," and urged students not to be "shy to showcase their talent."
"The First of the Series" has firmly planted ASCON Badagry on the map as a budding hub for artistic innovation. Being the first Secondary school to have organised and art exhibition in Nigeria. The event successfully provided a tangible platform for students to showcase their work, receive commendation from high-level officials, and ignite crucial conversations about career choices and talent development in Nigeria.