University Don, Nollywood actor set for International Students’ Day celebration in Kwara
The Kwara State Government has announced that this year’s International Students’ Day has been poised to tackle the challenges of students in society.
According to a statement by Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Hon. Salami Wasiu Onidugbé, the celebration, which is the first of its kind in the state in showcasing Kwara’s cultural heritage, and promote awareness of diversity and inclusion is expected to feature a Renowned Professor of Performing and Film Arts at the University of Ilorin, Abdulrasheed Abiodun Adesoye, where he will be discussing the significance of education in promotion cultural understanding and peace.
According to him, the event slated for Tuesday, 19th November 2024, at the Kwara State Banquet Hall, with the theme ‘Embracing Cultural Diversity, Promoting Inclusion and Igniting Greatness’, will also feature stakeholders in education and the cultural sector, which includes Ibrahim Chatta, a filmmaker and founder of Africhatta Film Village, where he will discussing storytelling as a tool for cultural preservation and exchange.
“The event is designed to celebrate students in Kwara State, recognising their academic achievements, cultural diversity, and contributions to the state’s development. Notable Kwarans excelling in their different niches in the education and cultural sector will attend to speak about embracing cultural diversity, promoting inclusion, and igniting greatness,” the Governor’s aide stated.
“Renowned Professor of Performing and Film Arts at the University of Ilorin, Abdulrasheed Abiodun Adesoye, will speak extensively on the significance of education in promoting cultural understanding and peace,” he said.
“Also, indigenous student associations will participate in a cultural contest, showcasing their cultural heritages. Specifically, the Ilorin Emirate Students’ Union will display Durbar; the Offa Students’ Union will present Ijakadi; the Shao Students’ Union will perform Sango magical; Igbomina National Students’ Union will showcase Igbomina traditional dance; National Association of Kaiama Students will display Kaiama sankisa dance; National Association of Baruten Students will perform Tekke dance; and National Association of Nupe Students will perform Tsankan and Nupe waist dance. Top performers will get cash prizes.
“There will also be a panel session featuring stakeholders in education and the cultural sector. Ibrahim Chatta, a filmmaker and founder of Africhatta Film Village, will discuss storytelling as a tool for cultural preservation and exchange. Simire Omotoyosi Tijesuni, a fashion brand owner, will focus on cultural influences on fashion trends and design. Abdulmumin Khadijah Teniola (Mhiz Dija), a content creator, will address content creation and cultural representation in the digital age.
“More so, Sakariyau Lawal Yittametu, a historian, will highlight the significance of cultural heritage in shaping national identity. Ibrahim Omoniyi Yusuf, the curator of Esie Museum, will demonstrate expertise in preserving cultural artefacts and historic sites: challenges and opportunities. Abdulkadir Uthman, a linguist, will engage the audience on literary representations of cultural diversity and identity.”
Onidugbe said students’ union leaders across tertiary institutions in the state are expected to attend the celebration, where they will be decorated as Peace Ambassadors in recognition of their efforts in maintaining peace and orderliness on their various campuses.
