In Akwa Ibom, OYASAF partners artists’ body for basics of art in secondary schools

First Prize, Edidiong Okon Effiong of Lutheran High School (left), receiving his prize from the founder of OYASAF, Prince Yemisi Shyllon

It’s the 1^st Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Akwa Ibom State Chapter and OYASAF collaborative Annual Drawing Workshop/competition for Secondary Schools.

In her opening remark, during the event held at the Auditorium of the Cornelia Connelly College (CCC) Afaha Oku, Uyo, the Chairman of the state chapter, Mrs. Victoria Victor Utuk commended the founder of OYASAF Prince Yemisi Shyllon for his collaboration with the artists’ body.

The following schools emerged winners:  Secondary School Category -

First Prize, Edidiong Okon Effiong of Lutheran High School; Second Prize, ,Edet Edet Uweh, Infant Jesus High School; and Third Prize, Nsidibe Ofon Silas, Cornelia Connelly College, Uyo.

In the Junior Secondary School Category: Emmanuel Ikara Okon Infant Jesus High School - First Prize; Saviour Enobong Ekwere  Evangel Secondary School -Second Prize Etukudoh Uduak iboro Bright Star Secondary School - Third Prize.

The SNA, Akwa Ibom used used the forum to celebrate some public spirited Nigerians who made noticeable marks in the field of Arts and design as well as Architecture, Engineering and Medicine, stressing the functionalities of Art to other fields of endeavours.

Among those honoured were, Prince Shyllon, as Distinguished Grand Patron, described by the artists as the biggestt art collector in Africa and for supporting Art and Art Programmes; Dr. Friday Etuk, Prince Victor Utuk, Dr. Ndem U. Ndem, Obong-Ifiok (Dr) Anny Asikpo, Mr. Joseph John Obobikpe were inaugurated as Grand Patrons and Patrons respectively, Architect Eno Equere, Dr. (Mrs) Enobong Ikpeme, Barbara Obot and Mr. Charles S. Udoh were given Excellent Awards for their contributions to Art and Design and excellence in their career.

 

The Drawing competition in Session

In his remarks, on behalf of the Awardees Prince Shyllon thanked the SNA for organizing a programme aimed at reviving the culture of Drawing, resuscitation and revitalization of Art in the school system. He encouraged Artists, Art Teachers, Parents and the General Public to make their inputs, aimed at encouraging art in the society.

The SNA/OYASAF Annual Drawing Workshop/Competition was conceived by the current Executive of Society of Nigerian Artists, Akwa Ibom State Chapter led by Mrs. Victoria Victor Utuk as a move to resuscitate Fine Arts which was at the verge of extinction in the school system. The SNA vehemently called on the government of Akwa Ibom State, to take proactive measures to restore and encourage Fine Art, through Employment of Fine Art Teachers, Desk Officers in the Ministries of Education, Culture and Tourism, appointment of Visual Artists as board members into council for Arts and Culture provision of Art Studios and other facilities to post- primary and primary schools in the State and for a collaborative initiatives between the SNA and the State Government.