THE children's Christmas cultural festival has became a pleasant and fascinating event far school children. It features art exhibition, traditional fashion parade, cultural performance, traditional dance competition, cultural quiz, raffle draws and clips from FESTAC '77. Prizes were also given to winners.

The Centre far Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism, established to propagate African cultural heritage worldwide, organized the event as part of its efforts in the discharge of its statutory function.

CBAAC seeks to imbibe cultural values in young Nigerians and to rekindle the interest of our youths in Nigeria's culture. This gave birth to the Children Christmas Cultural Festival, which has now become an annual event since 2004. This event appeals to' children, their teachers and parents who are enthusiastic about it.

This year's Children Christmas Cultural Festival was held on December 13, 2006 at the Banquet Hall of the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu - Lagos State . The activities of the day were fascinating and the children who participated were thrilled by them, which were in addition to entertaining the audience, used to assess students and pupils' knowledge of their traditional culture and for their uplift in life.

Judging from the motley of craw of attendants, it is to be said that participants showed love far children and CBAAC by every arrangement was prepared to justify its status as the custodian of Africa 's cultural heritage.

Culture to same is synonymous with idol warship. But is it so? Professor Tunde Babawale, Director/Chief Executive Officer of CBAAC disagrees with this belief. "Culture is not idol worship," he said. "Culture is a good tool for development," he added, while addressing participants on the occasion. He encouraged children to learn and practice culture, and advised them to learn their native languages. Culture, to the professor, has to be held sacrosanct.

A cursory look at the social milieu revealed that Western and foreign influence is to same extent eroding people's appreciation of their trado-cultural heritage. Civilization to some, is the abhorrence of their cultural heritage and adoption of Western way of life. This attitude makes one a stranger to his culture.

"Our attitude of inferiority complex to ourselves, our culture and our traditions created by interaction with foreign cultures from East and West has corroded the solid core of belief, regard and respect which should exist far the traditions to' grow by culture and develop with the civilization'. Civilization never removes any part of The tradition or culture of a people without replacement," observers Mr. Olatunde Lawrence, founder of Gaskiya College , Lagos, in his book, "Positive Expressionism."

According to him, a people's culture is the totality of their beliefs and life pattern as influenced and produced from the way of life of their predecessor and their environment, "reflectable from the fundamental activities such as feeding, clothing, walking, dancing, leisuring and pleasuring."

Loss of culture affects every age group, especially young people. The desire far the preservation of Africa 's rich cultural heritage prompted CBAAC to' declare to' maintain and uphold its statutory responsibility of promoting and propagating Black African cultural heritage in its totality.

The year 2006 Children's Christmas Cultural Festival was glamorous in many ways. From the lively dancing competition - to the fine Art exhibitions by school children which was unveiled by CBAAC's Director/ CEO, Professor Tunde Babawale. The colorful dancing costumes and lively displays of participating school children added zest and thrills to the occasion, and the audience had ample time to savour the aesthetics and originality of the dancing feat.

Motivational speaker, Mrs. Kola Jiiri Kuforiji presented talks on the theme: "Respect." Speaking on the concept of respect, she said Africa is richly blessed by nature; that African value teaches good organization and avoids disorderliness. Child upbringing in Africa, she pointed out, is a mutual responsibility as it is allowed in Africa 's culture to train children tog-ether, using moral persuasion to change attitude in order to change the society for the better. This co-operative training is carried out on children' irrespective of whether the adult is the biological parent or not.

She advised children to start appreciating Africa 's culture, be rich in these cultures and to be proud to be Africans. "Accept our cultures and be proud of what we have," she said. The speaker also told the children to build a society founded on mutual respect, respect for God, parents, adults, those in authority, and respect for their peers, adding, "Successful societies are rooted in respect." She placed the task of training children basically on homes. The events, Mrs. Kuforiji concluded, reflects African beauty."

Nestle whose prepared Milo beverage and confectionery were served round the hall, also provided its Golden Morn Home Tips with the following messages for parents:

* When leaving the children at home, even with a help of nanny, ensure you leave telephone numbers on which you can be reached in case of an emergency;

* Do your best to check your children's lesson notes daily. It gives them a sense of responsibility and binds you to them more.

* Delegate duties to the older children, it prepares them for the future;

* In reprimanding or correcting your child, avoid negative words which might adversely affect his/her sense of self-worth.

* Learn to play with your children. Come down to their levels.

If you want to know whether they appreciate it, check out their smiles. It will light up your heart.