As Nigeria prepares to celebrate Children’s Day on May 27th, the spirit of cultural pride, youthful creativity, and national unity will be brought to life a day earlier with the 4th edition of the Nigerian Children Arts & Cultural Festival (NACAF), scheduled for May 30th, 2025, at the vibrant Musical Village, Obafemi Awolowo Road, along Grammar School, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Organized annually by the Oshodi Arts Gallery, NACAF has grown to become one of Nigeria’s most anticipated platforms for celebrating the creative and cultural talents of children, aligning its purpose with the national Children’s Day celebrations to spotlight the dreams, voices, and potential of the nation’s future leaders.
This year’s festival, themed “CATCH Them YOUNG,” is set to be a one-day mega cultural experience that will unite schools, educators, parents, and creative talents in a dynamic display of Nigeria’s rich heritage through the eyes of its children.
Dr. Oshodi Seyi Paul, the founder of Oshodi Arts Gallery and convener of NACAF, expressed excitement over the event’s growing influence.
“NACAF is more than just a festival. It’s a celebration of identity, heritage, and hope—held at a time when the entire country reflects on the value of children in shaping our future,” he said.
Having started at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) and later hosted at the Ikorodu Musical Village in 2023, NACAF has continued to expand in reach and relevance.
The 2024 edition, which returned to LASUSTECH, introduced the presentation of special recognition awards to long-time supporters of the festival.
Dr. Oshodi confirmed that the 2025 edition will once again take place at the Musical Village, returning to a location that has become synonymous with grassroots creativity in Lagos.
Unlike previous editions that spanned two days, the 2025 festival will take place in a single action-packed day, combining cultural symposiums, inter-school competitions, drama, art exhibitions, and traditional dance performances.
“There will be special prizes for schools participating in the match-past, dance, and drama competitions. We’ll also honour those who have supported NACAF from its early years with distinguished awards, to be presented during the event,” Dr. Oshodi revealed.
NACAF 2025 will feature special appearances by youth-friendly entertainers such as MC HoldSomething, DJ Substance, T. BA, MC Dredboy, Jorel Cute, DJ Cashmoney, and Izzie BOi, who will keep the audience energized with music, comedy, and motivational messages tailored for young minds.
Positioned as “…Refuelling the Nation’s Dream”, NACAF serves as a cultural incubator, nurturing values of unity, confidence, and innovation in Nigerian children. It continues to inspire new generations to embrace their roots while exploring their artistic potential.
“We’re creating memories and moments that shape the identity of tomorrow’s leaders. As we commemorate Children’s Day, we want every child present to feel celebrated, empowered, and connected to something bigger than themselves,” Dr. Oshodi said.
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