The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, on Thursday, received members of the Executive Council of the Faculty of Arts Students Association, University of Lagos, UNILAG in his office at the Secretariat, Alausa.
The delegation, led by the Association’s President, Mr. Adekanye Oluwaseun Ibikunoluwa, paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry to discuss the upcoming Festival of Nigerian Arts (TG3), scheduled to hold in May, 2025 at the UNILAG Main Auditorium.
Blacktalker reports that the festival is designed to celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, featuring performances and exhibitions from at least six tertiary institutions, including UNILAG, LASU, YABATECH, and FCET.
Commending the students for their initiative, Mr. Aregbe advised them to prioritise quality over quantity. “If this is your first time organising such an event, focus on doing a few things exceptionally well,” he said, recommending a three-day duration for the festival to ensure effective planning and impactful execution.
He further proposed that the grand finale of the festival be hosted at the J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History. According to him, this would provide participants with a firsthand experience of one of Lagos State’s cultural landmarks and align the event with the broader cultural vision of the State. “Invite your peers from other schools to see the great work we are doing there,” he added.
Mr. Aregbe also emphasised the wealth of talent present within tertiary institutions, describing them as breeding grounds for future creative leaders. He encouraged the students to identify and collaborate with notable personalities in the theatre and arts community for mentorship and greater visibility.
In his remarks, Mr. Adekanye expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s consistent support for youth-led initiatives. He reiterated the association’s desire to partner with the Ministry in expanding the scope and impact of the festival. “We see this partnership as vital to creating a lasting platform for performance, cultural exchange, and creative expression among students,” he noted.
