The 2020 World Youth Day was celebrated in Abuja in a big way aimed at empowering the youths on how to use cultural creativity to cu...
The Secretary General of the Commission, Mr Olagunju in his opening
remarks differentiates culture as ” the customs, beliefs, art way of
life and social organization of a particular group of people which
encompasses language,religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts”
from creativity which is defined as ” the art of turning new and
imaginative ideas into reality.
He emphasized that the ability to develop innovative skills is not
merely a function of the mind but also a function of key behaviors that
optimize the youths’ brains for discovery. To him, empowering youths
through social and economic opportunities of cultural and creative
development is the then=me of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and
Promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions.
The Secretary General drew the attention of the audience to UNICEF
Generation 2030 Africa 2.0 report which states that developing skills
among youths is germane in helping the present and future generation in
labour markets of increased automation, technology and conventional
jobs. UNICEF deserves commendation for giving action points for every
African country to enhance cultural creativity for youth skill
development. This would no doubt go a long way in reducing unemployment,
poverty, insecurity and youth restiveness.
It is obvious that the world is dynamic with development taking place
everyday. Youths are enjoined to realize white collar job is no longer
in vogue. Nigeria has already joined the modern global practice of
creativity and self -reliance. This would no doubt empower vulnerable
youths and boost their interest in culture and arts. In line with UNESCO
operational strategy on youths, 2014-2021 special focus is given to
young creators and cultural professionals.
This Two-Day Workshop on Cultural Creativity for Youth Skills
Development to mark the International Youth Day (IYD) would in no small
measure promote and support youths in the use of their talent and
entrepreneurial skills. This would in the long run enhance access to
culture and creative tools which uplifts development creativity among
the youths, parnts , teachers and other stakeholders. No doubt, at the
end of this workshop, parents and youths (participants) would be
grateful to NATCOM-UNESCO for the great initiative accorded them to
realize the potentials inherent in creativity and self-reliance.
