The ambience was cool and calm, setting the perfect atmosphere for a thought-provoking learning. The occasion was an art and craft knowledge impartation spearheaded by Spiritans Sound Outreach, who welcomed a group of young people to a transformative summer workshop titled “Unscrew the Talents” at SS Joachim and Anne Catholic Church, Meiran, Lagos on the 7th of September 2024.
The gathering was led by Rev Fr Boniface Ugwo CSSp and Barrister Abiodun Adeosun of Radar Social Services as guest speakers. As part of its efforts to unearth and groom young talents, Spiritans Sound Outreach put this enriching activity together to advance the knowledge base of young individuals in a bid to help them discover their niche in the world of arts and craft as well as to further advance this awareness.
Bar. Adeosun exhorted the participants during the first session he anchored tagged, “Discovering Your Purpose”. He emphasised the need for everyone to develop the ability to identify the areas they are most resourceful. He further reiterated that once this is done, the next step is to explore those areas. The gross neglect of active participation in the church’s activities, especially by the youth, which interestingly will assist to discover their gifts, was pointed out by him, as well as the necessity of involving God every step of the way during this process. According to him, most popular actors in the arts industry around the globe, experienced their days of small beginnings right from the church. Hence, the importance of placing God as the forerunner of their affairs.
The next session, which was the interactive segment, was ably anchored by Rev Fr Boniface Ugwo CSSp. Fr Boniface, the initiator of Spiritan Art Academy, is the Parish Priest of St Francis Catholic Church Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. He is also the councilor in charge of Education, Spiritans province of Nigeria Southwest. He left behind an enlightening and stimulating sensation, propelling the youngster to hunger for more.
The activity was split into three sections and groups, comprising of sculpture, led by the reverend father, while the drawing/sketching and fabric parts were moderated by a couple of his team members. Father Boniface maintained that talent in display is a function of doing what you love and doing what you know how to do best.
Some other personalities who graced the occasion encouraged the youth to be steadfast in pursuing their talents. One Professor Charles Ebhoria, advised against giving up in the process of developing one’s gift while a member of the executive arm of Spiritans Sound Outreach, Engr. Lauretta Uwak, who is the deputy coordinator, stressed that talent is not gender specific.
Other key members present included, Mrs Emedo Aitafo, Mrs Agbo Lucy, Miss Vivian Ohaeri, Mr Stephen Imereti, coordinator, Ojo zone, compère of the programme, Mr Martins Eiche, coordinator, Iyana Ipaja zone, Miss Laura Nnana, national assistant Secretary and Mrs Nonye Ekwomadu, Editor-in-chief, Treasures Unveiler Magazine, a paper which is an offshoot of Spiritans Sound Outreach.
Leave a comment