By Abubakar Auwal
Date: December 14, 2023
On December 14, 2023, the Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation (HCAF) unveiled the 6th edition of the Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu Schools Festival (HIASFEST) trophies at its national headquarters in Minna. This festival is the largest teen festival in Africa and showcases talent, creativity, and intellectual prowess. The event was a momentous occasion for all those involved in the festival.
HCAF was established by the renowned Nigerian literary figure BM Dzukogi to discover hidden talents in African secondary schools. The foundation, which has over 20 branches across the continent, including the federal capital territory of Nigeria, is recognized for producing the highest number of teenage authors in Africa.
The “Unveiling Ceremony of the Largest Teen Festival in Africa’s Trophies” ceremony was attended by the general public, HCAF members, students, and teachers from competing schools in Minna. Notable guests included Hon. Bello Ibrahim, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor of Niger State, and Hon. Yahaya Designer.
Hon. Bello Ibrahim commended the efforts of the Hill-Top Creative Art Foundation (HCAF) for their support in shaping the future of Nigerian children. He encouraged the government of Niger State to support this intellectual movement and expressed his commitment to drawing attention to this cause. Similarly, Hon. Yahaya Designer praised the power of creativity and entrepreneurship and commended the organizers and sponsors of HIASFEST for nurturing the intellectual potential of Nigerian youth.
BM Dzukogi, the founder of HCAF, set the tone for the event with a powerful message on the importance of education. He highlighted teachers’ crucial role in shaping the future and called for equal recognition and compensation for their efforts.
“Whatever you become in this life must be through the teachers who taught you at the primary, secondary, and upper levels of institutions and universities,” said Dzukogi. He advocated for fair salaries for teachers, aligning them with those in higher positions.
In an engaging turn of events, students from various schools, including Himma International College, Diamond Global Academy, Father O’Connell Science College, and Baiwa International College, delivered remarks on behalf of Nigerian children. Teachers, displaying confidence, assured the organizers of victory in the upcoming 6th edition, injecting a sense of lighthearted competition into the event.
The event also featured exquisite spoken word performances by members of HCAF and the Nigerlites Spoken Word Artists (NiSWA). Nazir Suleiman, the national Vice President of NiSWA, and Emmanuel Umeji, the Cyber Head of NiSWA, showcased their artistic talents, entertaining the audience with powerful expressions.
Abubakar Auwal, the Library Caretaker of HCAF and Founder/President of NiSWA (Nigerlites Spoken Word Artists) delivered a powerful and thought-provoking spoken word performance. The performance centred around the current situation in Gaza and highlighted the plight of the people living there amidst the ongoing conflict. Through his words, Abubakar Auwal brought to light the harsh realities of war and its impact on innocent lives. The audience was left with renewed empathy and a desire to take action towards positive change.
At the end of the occasion, the HIASFEST National Coordinator, Mr. Makama Sheko’aga, thanked the sponsors and initiators for their support. He encouraged the students to work hard towards their goals and stressed that participation is a victory.
The event culminated with closing remarks by Mr. Makama Sheko’aga, the National Coordinator of HIASFEST. Expressing gratitude to sponsors and initiators, he encouraged students to persevere in pursuing goals, emphasizing the importance of friendship and personal growth. The event was skillfully orchestrated by Aliyu Umar, a talented teen writer and Secretary General of NiSWA, who served as the Master of the Ceremony.
As HIASFEST prepares for its 6th annual edition in 2024, the unveiling ceremony of the trophy is evidence of the initiative’s commitment to promoting creativity, education, and community among Nigerian youths. This event’s blend of art and education highlights the potential for positive change and growth in the nation’s artistic terrain.
