Mr. Micah Jiba, the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has called on parents and government to encourage the holding of cultural festivals in schools.
Jiba made the suggestion when he spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday at the maiden cultural festival of Pace Setters’ College in Abuja. “Cultural festival is not just for fun; it adds value to a student’s learning experience”, the council boss said.
According to Jiba, the importance of cultural festivals in schools cannot be over-emphasised as it is as important as students’ academic studies.
He said, “Cultural festivals promote innovative ideas and allow students to share their knowledge and ideas with other students.
“Such festivals also give information on the different traditions, beliefs, attire, food, music, dance and so on of our people. “I think things like these ought to be encouraged in the country.”
Also at the ceremony, Mr. Buba Mustapha, a lawyer, described cultural festival as an important component of any serious academic and intellectual work.
Mustapha said that understanding the culture of a nation, people, or group, the arts, beliefs, customs, practices, values and social behavior is necessary for the students’ intellectual and social development.
He said, “By taking part in cultural events, students experience firsthand, the country’s diverse cultural and artistic expressions. “Education cannot happen just at schools; it must go beyond the walls of the classroom.’’
Mustapha said that through cultural festivals, students broaden their horizons and gain unique insights into their own communities as well as a broader perspective of other cultures. ( NAN)
