Celebrating Africa’s Cultural Heritage Through Arts and Sports – FASU Lagos 2024
The 11th All Africa University Games (FASU Lagos 2024), currently underway in Lagos, has proven to be a vibrant display of both athletic and cultural talent. Among the most notable features of this year’s event is the Nigerian Undergraduates’ Exhibition of Arts (NUXART), an initiative designed to celebrate and showcase Africa’s rich cultural heritage. Running concurrently with the sporting events, from September 20th to 29th, 2024, this exhibition has drawn significant attention from across the continent.
The FASU Organising Committee has made a concerted effort to ensure that arts and culture play a prominent role in this year’s Games, extending invitations to universities across Africa to participate. Mr. Yunusa M. Bazza, Secretary of the Organising Committee, highlighted the importance of this cultural exhibition, stating: “The exhibition aims to boldly showcase the rich cultural heritage of Africa. We strongly encourage universities in our continent to embrace this opportunity to share their most treasured cultural aspects with the rest of the world.”
In a separate endorsement, Mr. Bazza addressed a letter to the Centre for Culture and Environmental Promotion, expressing the committee’s enthusiasm for the Arts and Cultural Exhibition. He emphasised the event’s potential to promote unity through cultural expression. “Your collaboration will be critical in showcasing the rich cultural heritage and artistic talent during this prestigious event,” he noted, underscoring the essential role that initiatives like this play in fostering continental unity and empowering the youth through culture.
Further underscoring the significance of the event, the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, through its Secretary-General, Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, extended an invitation to Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian universities. The Vice-Chancellors’ Forum, held on September 21st at the University of Lagos Sports Complex, provided an essential platform for university leaders to deliberate on crucial issues in African university sports. Professor Ochefu remarked, “Your presence and participation at these events would greatly enrich the discussions and showcase the vibrant cultural diversity within our university community.”
The arts and culture exhibition is not only an opportunity for artists and enthusiasts to connect but also serves as a platform for critical discourse on the future of university sports and its intersection with African identity. With its dynamic hub of creativity, the exhibition draws participants from universities across the continent, creating an atmosphere of collaboration, celebration, and shared African unity.
Dr. Patrick Okpah, OON, Director of NUXART, highlighted the exhibition’s impact on youth empowerment during an interview with Olufunmilayo Sawyer, a media volunteer for FASU 2024. Dr. Okpah emphasised the importance of cultural platforms such as NUXART in fostering the development of young people. “These platforms are crucial in ensuring that our youth are developed through cultural engagement,” he stated, reflecting on the profound role that art plays in shaping future generations.
As FASU Lagos 2024 progresses, the Arts and Culture Exhibition continues to captivate visitors, demonstrating the powerful influence of art in bridging communities across the African continent.
For further updates on FASU Lagos 2024 and the ongoing Arts and Culture Exhibition, visit the official University of Lagos website and follow their social media platforms.
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