By Kemi Yesufu
For a long period, Ms. Phil Okorafor, CEO of integrated marketing and communications firm, Marvel Matrix Plus, harbored a dream to give back to society. On Thursday June 20, she made her dream a reality with the hosting of the maiden edition of the Marvel Art Challenge.
The contest which had about 120 students from 62 government owned schools gather at Government Secondary School (GSS) Tudun Wada, Wuse Zone 4, saw the participants paint and draw to qualify for the next stage of the competition.
Boys and girls from schools across the FCT, even as as far as Gwagwalda and Kwali Area Councils, many of who defied the early morning rain, showed an admirable level of creativity with their paintings and drawings to depict their understanding of, “The Story of Money in Nigeria”, theme of the competition.
Speaking to journalists at the competition venue, Okoroafor, expressed hope that the students will be inspired by through their participation in the competition, as the creative industry hold limitless opportunities for Nigeria’s youth -heavy population.
She said: “Marvel Matrix Plus is an integrated marketing-communications firm and we thought that, beyond organizing events, we needed to come up with an idea that will transform lives. We believe that this event will transform the lives of these young ones.
“The thought of how we could challenge the creativity of the younger generation was what gave birth to the Marvel Art Challenge. We agreed that the students would interpret the theme of the contest “The Story of Money” through their art work, through drawing, painting, graphics and textiles.
“We first dropped the story line “The story of Money in Nigeria” with art teachers in the accredited schools and challenged them to do further research to make the students have better understanding of the challenge and interpret it well through drawing and other forms of art”.
“We broke down the art challenge. The drawing is on coins and cowries, while the painting focused on the period of trade by barter which chronicled the evolution of money in Nigeria. I am deeply impressed with the performance of the students here today”, she added.
Some of the students Frontline News Online spoke to expressed happiness at participating in the competition, with a few of them saying that they would take the opportunity of a career in the creative industry.
“I took today’s theme as a challenge, especially as it is the first time I am participating in a competition like this one. I challenged myself and I am doing the best I can, not just to win, but also to build my confidence should I decide go into the arts in the future”, said Aminu Sumaiya, an SS2 student of Government Secondary School, Dutse
Sumaiya, despite being girl said her parents will support her, if she decides to become a professional in the creative industry. “My parents always support me and push me to follow my dreams. This is not just a competition for me; it’s also something that makes me happy. It’s one of my hobbies”.
When asked about how he felt to be competing for the top prize, Abraham John Adejoh, a student of Government Secondary School, Karu said, he was highly energized. “I am happy to be here. What we have been asked to do is to express ourselves. We were asked to tell the story of money in Nigeria and I have taken my time to tell the story how I understand it”.
Art teachers, who led their students to the competition also shared in their joy and optimism. Sunday Ushokhai, from Government Secondary School, Byhazin, Kubwa, described the competition as a welcome development.
Another art teacher from Government Secondary School, Karshi, Abuja, Nkechi Ezeudoka, said her students were excited about the challenge, even as she commended Marvel Matrix Plus for taking the initiative.
She called on individuals and other corporate organizations to invest in raising a younger generation of artistes.
“In my school, we have talented students who are always eager to express themselves through drawing, painting and other arts, but they lack financial support and motivation.
“We have attended several exhibitions, and it is discouraging when we return with virtually all the items we went there with. It doesn’t motivate the students at all. I will always be the one encouraging them to keep up the spirit, be patient and await great fortune that would come in no distant time.”
Both teachers commended the organisers and sponsors of the contest, even as they encouraged other individuals and organisations to sponsor similar contests to give opportunity to younger artists to display their talent.
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