As part of efforts to stimulate the creative and problem-solving ‘goldmine’ in the Nigerian kid artists, the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, has rewarded winners of the 2017 National Art Competition for secondary school students.
With the theme: “The Nigerian Spirit,” the competition welcomed 20 winners across the secondary schools in the federation.
In the junior category, a JS 2 student of Redeemed People’s Academy, Jos, Plateau State, Chizoba Nwadike came first; while a JS 3 student of UNIBEN Demonstration Secondary School, Edo State, Anthony Umoru and another JS3 student of Phoebestar Royalty School, Osun State came second and third respectively.
In the senior category, an SS 1 student of UNIBEN Demonstration Secondary School, Elliot Isokpan came first; SS2 student of Owhe/Emevor Group of Schools, Delta State emerged second; while an SS2 student of UNIBEN Demonstration Secondary School, Daisy Oboigba came third.
For their efforts the winners in both categories got a scholarship of N100, 000 for the duration of their secondary education, while the first and second runners-up got N75, 000 and N65, 000 respectively.
In his remarks, the Chairman/Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria Mid-Africa Business Unit, Mr. Jeff Ewing, said the need for creative minds to continually move the nation forward and break boundaries informed the theme of the competition. “For our nation to move forward we need the minds of our kids to be stretched to the point where they begin to undertake challenges as champs. This will lead to a better Nigeria.”
Ewing, who was represented by the General Manager Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, described art as a delightful means of self-expression. “It is a window into the human mind. It grants us access to abstract expressions of human thoughts impressed upon canvass and various forms of art.
The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu urged both parents and teachers to groom their wards to become creative thinkers and champions.
He emphasised on the need for rich and enormous curriculum that exposes the children to all essential fundamental knowledge that they need to make significant landmarks in the field of art.
“This competition is one of those things that would stimulate the interest of art in the minds of our champions and broaden their minds, enabling them to be more creative. By supporting and providing our children opportunities to project their creativity, the organizers are helping to preserve some of our today for posterity and also encouraging imaginative interpretation of our collective experience.
