Dignitaries, legends Grace Chrisland Schools art exhibition and award

It was a day of colourful celebration at Chrisland Schools, Opebi, as some Nigerian legends, dignitaries, parents and well-wishers honoured the school at its art exhibition, arts legendary award and music album launch, as part of activities marking its 40th anniversary.

The event tagged: I Believe, also featured an art competition, award presentation, as well as celebrating legends in the art and music industry.

Explaining that the anniversary started on October 3 with a series of events, Managing Director of Chrisland Schools, Mrs. Adeyemi, said: “So, we decided to conclude it with an art and music exhibition. The album is a collection of different songs the school has worked on over the years and during this period. It is in our policy that each child that passes through the school should be able to play at least one musical instrument. We also ensure to conduct musical concerts to give our students more opportunity to showcase their talents.”

The album producer, Ayo Idowu, said it was amazing how the children keyed into the experience to sing and record 14 tracks in less than a week.

“Even though they were not used to the studio and some of them had challenges pronouncing Yoruba words, but at the end, it came out well,” he said.

While unveiling the album launch, High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Oluseyi Onafowokan, represented by his wife, expressed delight at the art collection, which she described as beautiful. She said it was difficult to believe the students produced them.

In his remarks, chairman of the occasion, Professor Bruce Onobrakpeya, showered encomiums on Chief Awosika for establishing the school that has produced prominent Nigerians, and pledged it would continue to strive to remain the best in providing quality education to students.

The art competition, which consisted a series of drawings and paintings, recorded 12 winners from various schools across the country.

The coordinator of the exhibition, Jide Onigbogi, said raising a total child goes beyond just learning English and Mathematics.

“We need to consider the fact that Nigeria of tomorrow will favour only those that have what they can do with their hands. This is why we don’t joke with creativity at Chrisland. We collated over 450 works of paintings, sculptures, artworks and textiles for the exhibition,” he explained.

In the junior category, a student of Grace High School, Gbagada, emerged winner, while a student of Grange School, Ikeja, and another student from Supreme Education Foundation came second and third respectively.

In the senior category, a student of Supreme Foundation School came first, while a student from Grange School emerged second, and the third position went to a student from Mind Builder School.

Kunle Filani, one of the legends appreciated the school for giving children quality training in creative Art. He urged government to support and develop other areas of creativity, which can encourage students and citizens to explore tourism and entrepreneurial endeavours.