Day of African Child: CBAAC honours, encourages children 

The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) on Friday honoured no fewer than 100 children in commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the African Child.

The event with the theme ‘Bridging Heritage and Innovation: Unleashing the Creative Potential of the African Child Through Technology and Cultural Education’, engaged students from six schools in Lagos.

CBAAC, in a colourful and enlightening programme, encouraged the children to soar beyond all limitations as they leveraged technology and the immense potential in culture.

The ceremony, held at the Muson Centre in Lagos, featured schools like Ilogbo Junior Grammar School, Costain; STC College, Surulere; and Aunty Ayo International School, Ikoyi.

Others were: Ebenezer Baptist Nur. and Pry. School, Victoria Island; Maryann College, Ikoyi; and St. Mary’s Nur. and Pry. School, Lagos Island.

The students were engaged in various competitions, including storytelling, debate, dance drama, quiz, poetic renditions, traditional chants, art exhibition competitions, amongst others.

There were vibrant displays of African culture, music, and dance, as the students showcased their talents and celebrated their heritage.

Some of the students who participated in the storytelling contest relayed traditionally, the essence of hard work, perseverance and dedication, as key to success.

For the debate, the students explored the topic: ‘The role of technology in the preservation of African culture’.

Earlier, Aisha Adamu-Augie, Director-General of CBAAC, emphasised the importance of nurturing Africa’s future leaders and honouring the resilience and potential of the African children.

Adamu-Augie urged the children to always aspire to achieve greatness and soar higher regardless of their limitations.

“Today, we honour our children. We believe in their ability to shape the continent’s future and make a positive impact globally.

“As you can see, it’s all about you today, our children. Today you are the president, the chairman, the mother of the day, the chiefs.

“We are here to celebrate the African child, and we celebrate you because you are beautiful, you are brilliant, you are resilient, you are extremely outstanding.

“I encourage you today, to jettison every obstacle to soar beyond your limitations.

“I also encourage you to be inspired positively with all that would be done here today, to be great representatives of your families, to be great representatives for your siblings, because we’re all here to make the world a better place,” she said.

Patrick Imhakhawo, a User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) designer enlightened the students on the essence of creating intuitive and impactful digital experiences.

He encouraged the students to be engaged in the technological space while they explored the platform to promote African culture through designs.

Chima Agu, Software and Mobile App Developer, educated the children on programming for the future and how software can be developed.

Eventually, Ilogbo Junior Grammar School bagged the first position in the Debate competition, STC College emerged winner for the Dance Drama while Ebenezer Baptist Nur. and Pry. School clinched the first position in the art exhibition competition.

Special recognition awards were conferred on the best traditional ‘chanter’ and storyteller from STC College.

CBAAC also encouraged three students with a scholarship in the technology space.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Day of African Child is a day earmarked to commemorate the Soweto uprising of 1976 when students in South Africa protested against apartheid and educational injustice.

It is usually celebrated every June 16.