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African Union advocates youth empowerment through arts

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African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council, AU-ECOSOCC, Nigeria has called on government at all levels in the country to tap into the potentials in the Arts and Culture sector to solve the increasing problem of youth unemployment..

The Council made the call yesterday in a statement to mark the 2019 World Arts Day, declared by the International Association of Arts, IAA/AIAP in partnership with the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO as an international celebration of the Fine Arts and to promote awareness of creative activity worldwide.

A statement jointly signed by two Nigeria Representatives, Dr. Tunji Asaolu and Mr. Oba Olasunkanmi John in Abuja, the Council noted a growing international interest in the potentials of the arts and cultural industry to drive sustainable development and create inclusive job opportunities. 

The Council said it believes that with Arts and Culture estimated to generate US$250 billion in revenue annually, and creating 29.5 million jobs worldwide, government at all levels must find a way of tapping into this sector to empower its large population of youth.

It, however, affirmed that for Africa to achieve its aspirations of a strong cultural identity, common heritage, values, ethnics and continent where cultural renaissance is pre-eminent, member states must give attention to Investment in the sector.

“The diversity nature of African Arts brings the beauty of the continent’s heritage out and makes the sector economically viable for member states to explore.

“We therefore want to call on Nigeria government to focus attention on this sector, develop it to be economically viable. It is important that children in the basic and secondary schools are sensitise to express their creativeness in art while our culture which is our identity should not be allowed to died in the heart and minds of our youth.

It would be recalled that April 15 of every year was chosen in honour of Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday as a symbol of world peace, freedom of expression, tolerance and brotherhood. He is also a testament to the influence of the Fine Arts on other fields across the world.

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