The Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Mr Valentine Buraimoh, has cautioned students against imbibing foreign cultures that could be harmful to them and the society.
Buraimoh gave the advice during an art competition organised for secondary schools in Amuwo on Thursday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by Culture Art Academy in collaboration with Amuwo Odofin Local Government Council and the National Council of Arts and Culture.
The theme of the event is, ‘Art and Environment’.
The chairman said education was the best legacy any family or government could give to children, adding that culture is a way of life that guides individuals in the right direction.
“However, in educating students, they have been exposed to norms and values from foreign cultures, different from ours and the children then exhibit strange behaviours.
“The exposure has given the rights to doom all in the name of freedom of expression, even when it is harmful.
“When you disobey your culture, you begin to miss your steps.
“If you ignore education and focus on social media, you begin to imbibe negative cultures,” he said.
He urged the students to obey their parents, teachers, schools and religious leaders, so they could be guided by values that would benefit them in future.
He also cautioned parents against behaviours, including quarrelling in the presence of their children, that could mislead them.
Mr Augustine Ekhaiyeme, Founder, Culture Art Academy, said the aim of the event was to discover and encourage students with talents so they could excel in the field.
“We want them to be observant, to be conscious of everything around them, whether outside or within their house,” he said.
Ekhaiyeme urged parents, guardians and schools that have observed artistic skills in their children and wards to encourage them by nurturing their talents and helping them grow.
A studio artist, Adewale Awesu, said art was life and that there were hidden treasures in it.
Awesu, who was also one of the judges, urged the students to put in more efforts so that they can grow and promote their talents.
According to him, schools should train students in the basics and principles of arts, so they can produce works and earn from it.
Also, Mrs Feyi Idowu, a Councillor, urged the students not to give up on their dreams.
Idowu further urged the students to be resilient and hardworking because of the boundless potential in the field.
NAN reports that 20 schools participated at the event while students from seven of them, including STEE Schools, Anchorage Schools, No Limits Secondary School and GADS College exhibited their works.
