April 13, 2018

Bimbo Obafunwa, the Director, Dance Training Foundation, on Friday called on stakeholders in the Arts sector to create platforms for the youths to grow their talents.

Obafunwa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that youths are ready to key into dance, music, fashion, theatre and other arts-related events that could accommodate them.

He said that stakeholders must help by providing the needed platforms that would absorb the youth and give them necessary training.

The director said it was only after the rudiments had been handed over to them through training and retraining that they could make impact and money.

“Nigerians have talents. The creativity of some young ones is amazing, but they have no sponsorship or facilities to help them grow.

“It is just a few individuals that encourage the youths and train them, but this is not enough.

“Youths need avenues and funds to showcase their talents; they are the future of tomorrow in building the arts sector, so they need to be encouraged,” he said.

Obafunwa said that government at all levels should be fully involved in supporting the arts.

“It will create the jobs governments have been clamouring for and pay stipends for those in it.

“I like what the Lagos State Government is doing; they are pushing arts and also supporting talents.  If other governments can spread it across the nation, we will curb joblessness.

“It will reduce the abuse of drugs by youths, reduce miscreants on the streets and help them create and earn a living,” he said.

Obafunwa said that government, for these to happen, has to provide the enabling environment, organise competitions and provide the needed funds.

He said the arts can bring youths together, make them have love for one another and make money through their talents.

“When government does the needful, we will keep doing our part, and in five to 10 years, we will be among the arts nations and everything will experience great turn around,” he said.