By Stanley Onyekwere
The Minister of state for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud has reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment towards accelerating efforts that will advance education at all levels especially for children as the future leaders of the society.
Mahmoud gave the assurance at the weekend, during the hosting of school children that came first in the various competitive events at the 2024 National Festival Of Arts & Culture (NAFEST) in Abuja.
She said the exceptional performances of the students in the just concluded competitive events reflected hard work, dedication and passion for academic pursuit.
The minister who was represented by her Special Adviser on Social development, Mrs Helen Zamani, noted that as a mother the feat achieved by the children doesn’t only make their families, states or schools proud,but it inspires and motivate their peers to also strive for excellence.
She also doled out assorted gifts to the children that came first as well as others that participated in the competition.
“I am pleased of your sterling and exceptional performances in the just concluded competitive events at the NAFEST 2024.
“Evidently, your ingenuities are attestation to hard work, dedication and passion and i must say that I am very proud of you. I am very thrilled to host you, in order to recognize and reward your exceptional efforts haven emerged as the best in the various events you competed for and won the first positions.
“The feat you have achieved does not only make your families, your state or your schools proud, it inspires and motivate your peers to also strive for excellence and greatness”, the minister stated.
Also speaking, the immediate retired Director of Department of Arts & Culture, FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS), Mr. Kayode Aiyegbusi, noted that exposing children was critical to promoting sustainable social cohesion.
Aiyegbusi, who spoke on behalf of NAFEST 2024 Local Organising Committee (LOC) chaired by the SDS Mandate Secretary, Ibrahim Aminu, said all the participants through their performances and presentations showed a lot of potentials as future leaders.
He therefore urged them to ensure that they daily practically demonstrate all the cultural values imbibed throughout the event.
Our correspondent reports that in the essay writing competition, participants from Ekiti state came first, Lagos came second while Enugu state came third.
Also, for cultural Quiz competition, Taraba emerged winner, followed by Benue state with Ekiti state coming third.
Equally, in the children’s story telling competition, students from Lagos state emerged winner, Ekiti came second while Nasarawa state came third.
However, in the area of children arts and crafts competition, first position went to Bayelsa, Ogun second with Lagos state come third.
