ArtsFebruary 1, 2023

Winner emerges in Arts for Change competition

Oluwatobiloba Titiloye has emerged winner of the 2022 Arts for Change creative competition supported by First Bank.

Mr Titiloye was announced winner at an event put together by White and Black Ideas in conjunction with the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) at Freedom Park, Lagos.

Seven finalists shortlisted from over 500 entries were at the event.

An ecstatic Titiloye said he was inspired by the story of his grandfather to make the winning work.

He thanked the organisers and First Bank for emerging winner at the first edition of the competition.

Apart from Titiloye, the six other finalists were Okeke Chukwuemeka, Olayemi Olamilekan, Wahab Yemi, Emmanuel Okonkwo, Adewole Abraham Ayo and Lawal Abduraheem.

The winner went home with half a million naira while the other six finalists received consolation cash prizes from Gobet247 in addition to certificate of participation.

Speaking earlier, initiator of the project Loye Amzat explained that Arts for Change is aimed at bringing the best out of the creative mind of youngsters and at the same time encouraging their talent.

He commended First Bank Nigeria for supporting the programme.

Explaining the criteria for picking the winner, Mr. Amzat said “adherence to the theme which is Nigeria: Stronger Together, creativity, aesthetic and originality of the works were the criteria used by the panel of judges.”

Former Lagos State commissioner for tourism, arts and culture Steve Ayorinde, who led the panel of judges, said the winner emerged by unanimous decision.

“What we chose as number one spoke to the fact that that particular artwork stands out. It spoke to the theme Nigeria: Stronger Together.

“The fact remains that all the finalists are winners. We were exceedingly impressed by the creativity. It’s very commendable and to the organisers, they shouldn’t stop at the maiden edition, they should continue,” Mr Ayorinde said.

Edwin Ezenobie, who represented the director general of NCAC, commended the organisers, saying the initiative is totally in line with the vision of the council.

According to him, “our young ones must be encouraged to utilise the creative talent in a way that will promote our culture and society, adding this is one the avenues to achieve that and it’s very commendable.”

Others present at the event include chief executive officer of Amourem Production Company Tosin Ajayi, publisher of QED.NG Olumide Iyanda, president/executive producer of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) Mike Dada, boxing promoter Remi Aboderin and marketing communication practitioner Henry Alaye.