By Atlantic Reports

Children’s artworks, drama, poetry, music and dance took centre stage at the National Museum of Unity in Ibadan on Saturday as the Arts and Alternative Futures Initiative Network (AAFIN) marked its 20th anniversary.

The organisation’s seventh heART4Life Children Arts Exhibition Festival, themed “At The Crossroads”, explored how creativity can help young people reflect on their choices, express their concerns and develop values for responsible citizenship.

AAFIN Chief Executive Officer, Mr Adegboyega Bamidele, said the network, founded in 2006, uses workshops, exhibitions and sensitisation programmes to encourage positive attitudes among children.

He described the children’s artworks as expressions of their fears, hopes and the society they want to see.

According to Bamidele, the festival’s theme reflected the opportunities and risks facing young people, including drug abuse, and the decisions that could shape their future.

He urged parents to pay attention to their children’s development and expose them to programmes that encourage positive values. He also encouraged teachers to incorporate creative activities outside the classroom into children’s learning.

Bamidele expressed concern about what he described as the erosion of cultural values through Western influence, calling for greater engagement with indigenous cultures and traditions.

The Managing Curator of the National Museum of Unity, Mrs Oriyomi Otuka, said AAFIN had sustained its commitment to children’s creative expression and positive values for two decades.

She said the theme drew attention to how present choices could affect the future of children and their communities.

Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, represented by the Deputy Director of Culture, Mr Thomas Okunlola, commended the organisation’s work.

He said its sustained commitment to children and creativity deserved government support, although no specific funding or partnership commitment was announced.

Olatubosun described the festival as an opportunity for children to express themselves and imagine constructive responses to challenges such as drug abuse.

Participating schools included International School Ibadan, Richgate College, El-shadai College, St. Catherine College, Command Day Secondary School, Seed of Life College, Graceland Schools and Francis-N College Ibadan.

The programme also featured a drug awareness lecture by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), bringing preventive education into a gathering centred on children’s creativity.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.