Shehu Sani, former senator representing Kaduna Central, has reiterated the power of art as a unifying force and a catalyst for national development as he sponsored and attended a painting competition held on Wednesday at the Kaduna Museum, Kaduna State.
The event, which attracted dozens of young artists, students, cultural enthusiasts and community leaders, showcased paintings reflecting themes of peace, unity, diversity and social harmony.
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Speaking at the ceremony, Sani said the competition was conceived to encourage creativity among young Nigerians and to provide them with a platform to express themselves through visual arts. According to him, painting and other creative expressions have the capacity to bridge divides, foster tolerance and strengthen national cohesion.
He noted that art remains a universal language that communicates across ethnic, religious and political barriers, making it a strategic tool for promoting peaceful coexistence in a multicultural society like Nigeria.
“Art has the power to heal, unify and inspire,” Sani said. “What these young artists have demonstrated today is that creativity can serve as a panacea for our national challenges, including unemployment, social tension and the lack of opportunities for the youth.”
The former senator stressed that investment in art and the creative industries can contribute significantly to job creation, tourism growth and youth empowerment. He urged government agencies, cultural institutions, NGOs and private-sector players to support similar initiatives that highlight the talents of young Nigerians.
Sani also commended the participants for their outstanding works and pledged to continue supporting programmes that promote creativity, skill development and peaceful engagement among young people.
Curators at the Kaduna Museum and coordinators of the competition praised Sani for his consistent commitment to cultural development and youth empowerment, noting that the event would inspire many young artists to pursue careers in the creative sector.
Winners of the competition received certificates, cash prizes and art materials, while their works will be displayed at the museum and other public exhibitions aimed at promoting peace and unity.
