August 15, (THEWILL) – The National Council for Arts and Culture(NCAC) has commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the return of the History curriculum in Lagos schools, describing the step as a “timely initiative.”
This was the statement made by the Director General of NCAC, Otunba Segun Runsewe, who noted that NCAC would host the 35th edition of the iconic National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST).
According to him, “Lagos, come November, will host the 35th edition of the iconic National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST), a cultural fiesta deep in the history, traditions and culture of Nigeria nation state.”
Runsewe, who doubles as President, Africa Region of World Craft Council, disclosed that History of Nigeria back in schools study and teaching profile in Lagos, is a welcome strategic decision by Sanwo-Olu, promising to organise a history of Nigeria session for Lagos students during NAFEST in November.
“Strategically, we have school children competition on Arts, crafts and culture, and definitely History will be part of the subjects we shall introduce to complement this cheering milestone from Lagos State.
“We have established a foothold in investment of cultural education and history in NAFEST for the past four years and each state where NAFEST took place. We target and give robust support to children theatre, and full compliment to reenactment of history of our past heroes who contributed to our political evolution. And NAFEST in Lagos will witness a new direction in this aspect”, Runsewe affirmed.
He called on other state governments to follow suit and help in making History of Nigeria a quick come-back curriculum in primary and secondary schools, in order to infuse love of nation and people’s culture and tradition among young children.
“We must take our children back from foreign cultural influences and help grow their faith and trust in Nigeria through the study of Nigerian History. It is long overdue and we at NCAC join Lagos State governor to celebrate this auspicious engagement, by donating History books and narratives on pre-colonial Nigeria at NAFEST to all state participants”, Runsewe further explained.
About the Author
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
