By Charles Akpeji Jalingo

The maiden edition of the Arts, Culture, and Heritage (ACH) Creatives Workshop has been hailed as a significant milestone in strengthening Nigeria-UK cultural relations, following its successful launch at Higher Everyday British School (HEBS), Agbor, Delta State.

In a statement yesterday made available to The Guardian, Dr. Raymond Imafidon, Proprietor and Director of HEBS, applauded the Johnson Community Support Initiative (JCSI) and UK-based The Leap Bradford CIC for selecting his school as the pilot partner for the ACH Creatives Program in Nigeria.

The workshop, held this month, is part of the school’s Cultural Day, which aims to engage young Nigerians in the creative industry and promote indigenous arts and culture.

“We feel honoured and truly grateful to JCSI and The Leap Bradford CIC, along with their partners, Creative People and Places, Arts Council England, and the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, for their support,” Imafidon said.

He stressed that the “initiative goes beyond entertainment. It provides students a gateway into viable careers in the arts and culture sector, highlighting the potential for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and the UK.”

Imafidon emphasised the impact of the workshop, especially the keynote address delivered by Pastor Mike Okoh, an arts lecturer at the University of Delta, Agbor. He described it as an eye-opener for students and educators alike.

“Our students were inspired to view the arts not just as creative expression, but as a professional path that transcends borders,” he said.

“We’re excited to establish the ACH Creatives Club in the coming academic term and proudly take on our role as ambassadors of this pioneering program.”

In a virtual address, Mr. Akinwale Johnson Ogundipe, Executive/Creative Director of JCSI, said the ACH Creatives Workshop was designed to shift perceptions about the arts and culture sector among Nigerian youths.

“The objective is to help students see the creative industry as a space filled with opportunities for meaningful, sustainable careers,” Ogundipe explained.

“We encourage all participating schools to form student-led ACH Creatives Clubs, starting with HEBS, Agbor.”

The broader mission of the ACH Creatives Program is to foster appreciation of Nigerian heritage, promote cultural exchange, and provide platforms for artistic development in secondary schools nationwide.

JCSI, according to the statement, have concluded plans to roll out the initiative across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with calls for collaboration from key cultural and educational stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy.

During the event, JCSI was also said to have presented a cheque of N50,000 to support the formation of the HEBS student-led ACH Creatives Club.