About 50 secondary school students from Abuja on Saturday embarked on three-day cultural tour of Lagos to explore the artistic peculiarities of the city state.
The students of Abuja International Community School visited Kalakuta Museum, Nike Arts Gallery, Terrakulture Arts Gallery, Freedom Park, Takwa Bay beach, Eleko beach and Tafawa Balewa Square.
Some of the visiting students told said that the the tour had exposed Lagos to them as art and culture tourism destination.
One of the students, Melose Dumnoi, said the tour was adventurous with the visit to the Kalakuta Museum where the life and achievements of late legendary musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti was explained.
”We were taken to Fela’s bedroom where he was sleeping while alive.
”It is quite fascinating and interesting how history is preserved.
”The design of the Terrakulture Arts Gallery and beautiful art pieces there are other interesting aspects of the tour, I wish to be back soon,” she said.
Another student of the school, Rabia Hashim, said that the visit to Nike Arts Gallery had taught her indepth interpretation of art works which she never knew before now.
”I was made to understand in-depth analysis and interpretation of art works, differentiate modern and contemporary arts and much more have been added to my knowledge.
”I feel so challenged and want to be more creative now, in fact Lagos is a place to be,” she said.
The students’ coordinator and Head of Art Department in the school, Mrs Ngozi Ugoji, said the aim of bringing the students to Lagos was to explore arts and culture peculiar with the state.
She said they had to come all the way because Lagos had more art galleries and tourists sites compared with Abuja.
“We had to come down to Lagos because we have many private art galleries here unlike in Abuja where there is only one art gallery owned by the government.
”We want the children to be exposed to different art works which will spur their creativity.
”Lagos is the house of activity, We had a fun filled stay already, we have toured for two days now and hope to do more on Monday,” she said.
The tour organiser, Mr Olugbenga Adebayo of Gadeshire Travels and Tours, said he packaged the educational tour to promote the nation’s domestic tourism destinations.
Adebayo said this was of great importance for the students to familiarise them with Lagos tourism potential.
He said that Lagos State as a mega city was evolving to become culture and arts destination as there were lots of exhibitions going on.
”There are lots of great tourist sights and monuments in Lagos that young people need to see and know the history behind each of them.
”The tour has been exciting and its creating new experiences and education for the students.
”They are learning and appreciating basic culture of other people from this part of Nigeria as majority of them have never been to Lagos State before.
“They have also toured Lekki corridor axis, had a night fun fair at the Eleko beach and Takwa bay beach.
“Tomorrow, they will do Marina walk, visit the CSM Cathedral Church and some sight seeing of Tafawa Balewa Square,” he said.
