HIASFEST 2021

A very important and immeasurable strength of Art is its capacity to foster unreserved unity among its patrons through a lingering memory gust of beauty, uniqueness and class that can be reminisced, felt and appreciated. The Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu Schools Festival (HIASFEST) has continued to soar as the most comprehensive and rewarding schools festival in Africa and yet to be matched by any. The event was initiated by Alhaji Abdullahi Bala Kwatu to immortalize of Hajiya Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu, the late wife of Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, the Sardaunan Minna.

The festival comprises of contests in On-the-spot Poetry, On-the-spot Short Story Writing, On-the-spot Literary Essay, Cultural Dance, On-the-spot Painting, Quiz, Craft, Spoken Word, Contemporary Song and most recently the Drama Category. The festival also awards tuition scholarships for two students in tertiary institution (Art and Science) as well as other special awards that include: Golden Awards for four distinguished Art Administrators in Nigeria, Best Awards for Male and Female Teachers; Most Valuable contestants for male and female contestants; HIASFEST Star Prize and awards for the overall winning schools. The Festival also awards National Literary Prizes such as: the Nigerian Prize for Teen Authors in Prose and Poetry, The Nigerian Prize for Indigenous Languages of Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Nupe and Gbagyi for Creative works and Science books. The Festival is administered by the Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation in Niger State, Nigeria.

The third edition of the Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu Schools Festival (HIASFEST) held from the 8th-11th of January 2021 at the prestigious Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre rode on the wings of beauty and thrived on the colours of inclusiveness creating memories that time cannot easily erode. It was a place of convergence for teenagers in Nigeria and also a place of intense competition and reward. It is safe to say that there is no schools festival as rewarding and all encompassing as HIASFEST in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

OPENING CEREMONY

The opening ceremony came alive at around 10:00am with the arrival of the Initiator, Alhaji Abdullahi Bala Kwatu, Amina Nasir, the representative of Aliyu Trust Foundation, the co-sponsor of the festival and other important guests like the Representative of Minister of Education and Registrar National Examinations Council (NECO), Prof. Godswill Obioma, the Deputy Provost, FCE Kontagora Dr Yahaya Ubandoma, Alhaji Jibrin Ndace, the representative of the Publisher, Blueprint Newspaper, Curator TedX Minna, Suleiman Isah, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abubakar Aliyu, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, members of the Ibrahim Aliyu family, and others.

SPEECH BY BM DZUKOGI, FOUNDER, HILL-TOP CREATIVE ARTS FOUNDATION

He presented a speech on the topic: "HIASFEST is an African Vision". The speech emphasized the importance of creativity in nation building and the role of HIASFEST in developing the Nigerian child's potential. He highlighted the expansion of Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation branches across 12 states and the vision for international expansion.

SPEECH BY THE INITIATOR, HIASFEST: ALHAJI BALA ABDULLAHI KWATU

The speech acknowledged the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and commended the courage of participants. It highlighted new awards and prizes introduced, including indigenous languages such as Hausa, Nupe, Igbo, Gbagyi and Yoruba. The speech also mentioned plans for creating an E-learning Centre at Government Day Secondary School Minna and the co-sponsorship by Aliyu Trust Foundation.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

The keynote address was delivered by Zakkiyah Dzukogi, representing the keynote speaker, Mujaheed Ameen Lilo on the topic "Developing Teenage Creativity: A Trigger to the Pursuit of Dreams". The address emphasized the importance of creativity in national development and the role of teenagers in shaping the future.

EVENTS OF THE DAYS

RESULTS OF EVENTS