The National Gallery of Art (NGA) FCT outstation, in Abuja, celebrated the creativity and innovation of Nigerian children at its annual Children’s Day Art Exhibition and Talent Hunt. The event, themed “Creativity in the Eyes of the Nigerian Child – From Waste to Wealth,” showcased artworks created from recycled materials, highlighting the importance of environmental sustainability. Held at the FCT Pavilion on May 27, 2025, the exhibition featured vibrant inter-school art competitions in painting and sculpture, with participants from nine schools across the Federal Capital Territory. The event drew art educators, parents, dignitaries, and government officials, all sharing a vision of artistic development and environmental sustainability. Notably, the event was taking place simultaneously across all 25 NGA outstations and 6 geopolitical zones in the country, emphasizing the NGA’s commitment to nurturing creativity nationwide.
Notable guests at the event included Professor Grace Jokthan, Director at Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL), National Open University; Mr. Muhammad Suleiman, President of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA); Mr Ahmed Musa, representing the Director, Educational Services Department of NGA;Chief Dan Makava, Director and representative of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) and Mr Chris Obadan, representing the Director, Curatorial Services of NGA. Mrs. Ekene Okoroma, Director, General Services, NGA, represented the Director General, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi.
In his keynote address, DG, NGA, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, represented by Mrs. Okoroma, highlighted the transformative power of creativity and innovation. He said, “Creativity is the power to transform, to see possibilities where others see limitations, and to create beauty from the ordinary. In the hands of a child, waste becomes wealth—functional, meaningful, and even profitable.”
Professor Grace Jokthan, Mother of the Day, emphasized the role of children as future leaders and change-makers. She encouraged students to embrace their creativity with courage and vision, saying, “You have the power to transform Nigeria. The sky should not be your limit—it should be your starting point.”
The FCT Curator described each participant as an artist, inventor, entrepreneur, and environmental hero, saying, “Where others see trash, you see treasure. That is not only creative; it is the spirit of a true Nigerian child—brilliant, bold, and full of ideas.”
The first prize winners across all categories were:
- Primary School Painting: Nwoye Victory
- Primary School Sculpture: Abdulrahim Zayannu
- Junior Secondary School Painting: Udegbulam Abigail
- Junior Secondary School Sculpture: Benjamin Saviour
- Senior Secondary School Painting: Ifeanyi Chinecherem Favour
- Senior Secondary School Sculpture: Sunday Godwin
Second and third place winners also received prizes for their outstanding artworks, and all participants received certificates of participation. Winners were presented with prizes, while all participants received certificates and gifts in recognition of their creative talents.
The event concluded with a tour of the exhibition, where students proudly displayed their artworks crafted from recycled materials. Among the highlights of the event were dance performances by some invited schools and a dance competition among the children, which saw two students walk away with cash prizes.
The event is aimed to discover, nurture, and support the creative potential of Nigerian children through artistic expression. Mrs. Ekene Okoroma reaffirmed that the Children’s Day Art Exhibition and Talent Hunt remains one of the NGA’s flagship national programs, designed to empower young minds and promote sustainability. The NGA successfully used children’s art to raise awareness about environmental stewardship and resourceful thinking, proving that Nigerian children are catalysts for a better and more sustainable future.
The event concluded on a high note, leaving an indelible mark on participants and guests alike. As the children stood proudly beside their artworks—crafted from the discarded and the overlooked—they reminded everyone that Nigeria’s future is indeed bright, creative, and full of potential.