Abeokuta Students Get Creative Boost from Rotary Club Abeokuta Metropolitan, Equipped Art Studios

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As part of an effort to upskill students beyond the four walls of classrooms, the Rotary Club of Abeokuta Metro has ignited art and creativity among students in Abeokuta by launching an initiative that provides them with the necessary materials to explore their artistic

The initiative was born out of the innovative thinking of the Rotary Club of Abeokuta Metro to give back to society, while also sustaining the in-built talent among students, by providing them with an opportunity to shine in the creative industry.

While addressing the students, Mrs Olubukola Samuels, the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ogun State, highlighted the Importance of creativity in adding value to the economy, calling for the proper preservation of heritage and values, particularly among the Yorubas.

She advocated for maximum support for the students who are talented with creativity and innovation, stating that not all are meant to seek a white-collar job, but through their inbuilt talent, they pave the way for themselves.

Mrs Samuels cited herself as an example who had chosen art and creativity since her secondary school days.

She admitted that the government alone can’t do it all, urging for initiatives more like the Rotary Club of Abeokuta Metro for the vision that will help the generations, particularly in the area of the creative world.

Also speaking, the United President of Rotary Club Metro, Rotarian Yeye Katherine Ogundeji, pointed out that the initiative became necessary because most students are gifted, but couldn’t identify their path, believing that through support, they can preserve the heritage.

She corroborated that the government can’t do it all, but through the support of non-governmental organisations like Rotary Club, the world will be a livable society, especially for the vulnerable.

In her own submission, the President-elect of Rotary Club, Abeokuta Metro, and chairperson for the basic education and literacy project, Mrs Lois Oyedun, explained that the initiative was conceived to see beyond giving academic material to students.

She added that it was meant to take the academics beyond the walls of classrooms, by ensuring that gifted students’ dreams and passions become reality.

She said that for some of them who don’t have the strength academically, it shouldn’t be an excuse for them to become a nuisance in society; rather, we need to help them define themselves creatively, because art is becoming a global reality.
“So, I feel like let’s look inward on what we can do for these children. It occurred to me that art is an asset because there is a way you can improve yourself through creativity”

“We have adopted two schools in Abeokuta for mentorship and financial support and chosen Egba Comprehensive High School for the creative project”, she said.

Oyedun assured support for any of the students who show commitment and are willing to go for a creative exhibition at any national level.

The Rotary Club of Abeokuta Metro supported the Egba Comprehensive School students with the necessary materials for art and creative work at the senior and junior secondary schools.

The artwork carried out by the students, including mural designs, painting works, drawing and other creative works related.

According to Oyedun “September usually is for month of basic education and literacy project, so as chairman I was looking for how best we can empowerment these children, because it is not usually about academics, I feel like there alot of students who have this passion, dreams to become something better and not all of them have the strength academically knowing well that Art and creative work is taking over globally so we deicided to support them”

“We are glad for what we have been able to achieve, though in the beginning it was not easy, so we appreciate their teachers”

“Aside from this, we have decided at the Rotary Club of Abeokuta Metro to give support to any of the students who are willing to compete at any level”

Oyedun commended the teacher’s dedication to making sure that the students put all their effort into the project and bring their dreams into reality through art.

Appreciating the kind gesture of Rotary Club Abeokuta Metro, the Principals of the school commended the initiative for finding the school worthy among others.

Present were: Rtn. Ogundaini Abiodun( immediate past president of the club), PAG Abass Olanigan (Past Assistant Governor) retired Permanent Secretary, PAG Dayo Niyi-Idowu (Past Assistant Governor), Mrs Olubukola Samuel, who is a second facilitator, PP Aremu Babatunde, PP Ogunwoolu Adegoke, PAG Festus Adetonwa (Zonal Coordinator, zone 5), among others