The important role of children in sustainable development in any country of the world has remained the driving force behind the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC)'s sponsorship of the annual Nigerian Children's Festival. This was again restated when the parastatal of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation hosted Nigerian children to a fanfare of cultural showcase that highlighted this year's edition of its annual fiesta.

The event which held at the Exhibition Hall of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, under the theme "My Culture, My Pride" witnessed farfare as well as a bumper harvest of culture; for both CBAAC and of course the proud Nigerian parents whose children from various primary and secondary schools both in and around Lagos graced the occasion in rich, colourful cultural attires, capturing the various ethnic groups in the country.

These groups of carefully selected cultural oriented children further held the audience spell bound to an evening of diverse cultural presentations.

As in the tradition of CBAAC, this year's party is however not an exception, as it focused on celebrating the Nigerian Child and ultimately the Black African child, whom according to the organizers should not only be a face but also a voice that asserts with courage and pride the inestimable cultural heritages and values of the nation and of course the continent at large.

Apart from celebrating the children as the leaders of tomorrow and the future of the Black African nations, the event also constitutes a unique part of a broad range of activities being put together by CBAAC to further the promotion of interest in the culture, values, and ways of life of the people for the benefit of the Nigerian-African society today, as well as for generations to come.

According to the Director/CEO of the centre, Prof. Tunde Babawale, the annual Christmas party is "A cultural festival in recognition, and in appreciation of the place of children in our society. Our children are the trustees of posterity and it is in recognition of their importance that CBAAC...cannot but invest in them."

Continuing, Prof Babawale said: "Our interest and investment in children are informed more by what they represent-the future- and the fact that children are critical agents of social change. We at CBAAC recognizes the fact that we can correct the ills of our society through recourse to our glorious past for a better future by inculcating in our children positive values, not only for the benefit of the individual but the society at large."

He therefore expressed the hope that the event will rekindle the desire to celebrate the African culture and also encourage the children to partake in the celebration of African culture.

"It is our hope that this occasion will offer us the opportunity to encourage our children to identify with what is traditionally African and provide the desired leverage for our children to practically partake in the celebration of African culture, exhibit African costumes and evince useful ideas necessary for decision making."

In the same vein, Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Sen. Jibril Bello Gada, noted with delight the great impact the programme will have on the children's socio-cultural, religious and economic behaviour.

"Our interest in children should be strengthened by the belief that unlike their adult counter parts, children are amenable to change. They can be made to see the dazzling qualities in African traditional lifestyle."

Considering the high rate of growth and economic returns recorded by nations and countries in the world through the promotion of indigenous and comparative cultural advantages, Sen. Gada, who was ably represented by Mr. Womiloju, deemed bold to say that CBAAC has indeed proved beyond reasonable doubt to have consistently lived up to its statutory responsibility of promoting, propagating and preserving African cultural values through the initiative of annually organizing the Children's Christmas party.

"This programme represents a timely intervention and effort towards national rebirth and re- branding that should be encouraged... Hence, CBAAC deserves to be commended for this right step in the right direction," he asserted.

Similarly, chairperson of the occasion, Senator Grace Folashade Bent, in her opening remarks, commended CBAAC for their effort in restoring and preserving the culture and value of the nation by inculcating it into the children, whom she described as easy catch, hence are able to imbibe and appreciate the cultural values without struggles.

While noting the high value placed on children by the African culture, Sen. Bent, further used her position in government as a platform to encourage and advise the children on the need to be hardworking, patriotic, believe in themselves and the African culture and values, if they really aim at taking over governance in the future.

Sen. Bent who described herself as a bridge builder, being married to a man from the Northern part of the country, remembering her days in the NYSC and its aim of re-orienting the Nigerian youths as the bases for its formation, frowned greatly at the complete departure of the scheme from its initial aim.

Speaking to Champion Arts at the event, Sen. Bent noted with dismay that the original intention of the NYSC programme, which is for the promotion and development of our culture is fast eluding the country, citing instances where corps members are physically abused.

According to her, time was ripe for the scheme to be taken back to the drawing board to ascertain if the nation really wants to continue with the project or not, as most parents are now skeptical on releasing their children for the programme.

While, pledging her support for CBAAC, Sen. Bent, promised to donate a trophy tagged "The Senator's trophy" at the next CBAAC annual children's Christmas party, which said would be given to the best school that has imbibed our culture to the fullest both in dressing, behaviour and language.