By Damiete Braide
The National Gallery of Art, Iganmu, came alive once again as it hosted its annual celebration for the International Day of the Child, a long-standing tradition held with colour, creativity, and cultural pride. The 2025 edition, themed “Harmony in Diversity: Art as a Unifying Force,” brought together a vibrant mix of schoolchildren, educators, parents, and guests from across Lagos, all eager to witness a day centered on artistic expression, inclusion, and unity.
Children arrived early, dressed in traditional attire and school uniforms, their faces lit with excitement and anticipation. The atmosphere was cheerful and energetic, with familiar tunes filling the air, prompting spontaneous dances and sing-alongs from the young audience. The event, which has become a staple in Nigeria’s cultural calendar, aims to not only celebrate children but also spotlight their creativity through performances and exhibitions.
In his welcome speech, the Director General of the National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, addressed the young participants with warmth and inspiration. He emphasized the importance of nurturing the creative potential of children, regardless of their background, culture, or origin.
“This year’s theme resonates deeply with our values,” Sodangi said. “It is a call to recognize and celebrate our diversity, while also reminding us of art’s incredible power to unite people across cultures, borders, and generations.”
He noted that art transcends verbal communication, whether through painting, dance, music, or poetry, it speaks a universal language that evokes emotion, fosters connection, and bridges gaps. He encouraged the children to continue expressing themselves and contributing to a more harmonious, inclusive society through their unique creative voices.
One of the main highlights of the event was the Children’s Art Talent Hunt, curated by Dr. Celestine Agoziem, a respected art scholar and advocate. He explained that the event was not merely a celebration, but a deliberate attempt to use art as a tool for building community and social empathy.
“Art promotes awareness, tells stories, and challenges stereotypes,” Dr. Agoziem said. “Through this talent hunt, we wantchildren to explore the theme of unity in diversity and express it through their own artistic lenses.”
True to his words, the day was filled with an impressive array of performances from over ten participating schools. These included traditional dances, choreographed routines, spoken word poetry, drama pieces, and a colorful fashion show. Each act, drawn from the cultural heritage of Nigeria’s many ethnic groups, echoed the theme of unity through diversity.
Among the most memorable performances was the Egun dance by Iganmu High School. The dancers, adorned in vibrant costumes, moved with electrifying precision and intensity, leaving the audience spellbound. Another captivating performance came from the Atilogwu dancers of Sky Vision School, who dazzled onlookers with their agile moves and vibrant energy, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd.
Following the live performances, guests were led into the gallery for the art exhibition, where the children’s works were proudly displayed. From intricate paintings to imaginative sculptures, the pieces reflected the children’s interpretation of identity, community, and unity. These artworks had been carefully vetted by a jury, and winning entries were acknowledged during the prize presentation ceremony that concluded the day’s activities.
Professor Abolade Adeniji, who served as the event’s patron, also addressed the children, urging them to savor the day’s experience and hold onto the memories. “Let this mark the beginning of your journey,” he told them. “The sky is not your limit, it’s only your starting point. Stay focused and disciplined; make your parents proud.”
Mrs. Fanny Oyaghire, a staff member of the National Gallery of Art, echoed the need for sustained public and institutional support to continue nurturing such platforms. She explained how the Gallery collaborates annually with schools across Lagos State, assigning themes for creative projects that are later juried and exhibited. “This celebration goes beyond a single day,” she said. “It’s about building a tradition of artistic expression among the younger generation.”
From start to finish, the 2025 Children’s Day celebration at the National Gallery of Art was a resounding success. It not only showcased talent but also reinforced a vital message: that through art, we can find shared meaning, mutual appreciation, and a common ground, no matter how different our backgrounds may be