Students have been encouraged to embrace Arts and Design as a career choice in order to harness their innate potentials and create sustainable means of livelihood.
The wife of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Ezinne Catherine Onyeme, made this call during an exhibition organized by the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.
The exhibition, which featured works in Sculpture, Fashion, Painting, Jewellery, Ceramics, Textiles, Graphics, and Photography, was held at the Delta State Traditional Rulers’ Secretariat Art Exhibition Gallery in Asaba.
Mrs. Onyeme emphasized that early exposure of children to the world of arts and design can ignite curiosity, creativity, and innovation—factors that are crucial in nurturing future artists and designers.
She commended the organizers for the visionary step of involving primary and secondary school students in the maiden edition of the department’s art exhibition, describing it as a step in the right direction to “catch them young.”
The wife of the Deputy Governor further noted that both artistically and scientifically gifted children should be nurtured to achieve their full potential, adding that creative expression can be a pathway to success for many young talents.
According to her, the exhibition serves as a clarion call to support children and encourage the blossoming of every potential in the direction of their chosen careers.
She urged parents and guardians to allow their children the freedom to pursue careers in Arts and Design.
In his brief remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Dennis Osadebay University, Prof. Benjamin Oghojafor—represented by Prof. Godwin Oseghale, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, stated that the Department of Fine and Applied Arts was entrepreneurially driven and aligned with the MORE Agenda of the current administration in Delta State.
Prof. Oghojafor reiterated that the exhibition was organized to showcase the talents of students in various artistic disciplines and to promote entrepreneurship through creative endeavours.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Mr. Samuel Bello, advised students not to be discouraged by societal perceptions or parental disapproval in pursuing careers in Arts and Design.
He described the field as one rich in entrepreneurial potential, capable of offering financial independence without reliance on white-collar jobs.
The highlights of the event were the performance by a dance group from the Theatre Arts Department of Dennis Osadebay University, and a tour of the exhibition led by Prof. Antonia Okogwu a visiting Scholar at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.
