15th February, 2025
Ahmed Iyanda
The Artvocacy Movement Abeokuta recently hosted its first-ever Open Mic Event and Community Meeting at the Old Theatre Hall, Federal College of Education, Osiele.
Themed “Empowering Grassroots Voices for Positive Change,” the event united a diverse group of young talents, aspiring leaders, creative professionals, changemakers, and members of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), fostering a dynamic space for artistic expression and advocacy.
Together, they shared their voices, learned from each other, and celebrated the power of art in shaping societies and narratives.
The event was an extraordinary showcase of creativity, with various artistic performances by talented students and individuals.
During a panel session moderated by Deborah Adewale, the state coordinator of The Artvocacy Movement by the Street Project Foundation, speakers like Mr. Oluwaseun Fabusuyi (aka Shamfab), Jimoh Oluwasegun, and Hadijah (a student of FCE Osiele) shared powerful insights on the role of advocacy in driving social change through art.
The discussion challenged perspectives, highlighting the importance of self-belief, grassroots engagement, and proactive action in shaping the future.
Hadijah shared the challenges of balancing academics with her passion for creative arts. She described herself as an “average” student but acknowledged that many people had successfully integrated their academic pursuits with their creative endeavors. She stressed the importance of learning from others who have managed this balance and pushing beyond one’s self-imposed limits.
Oluwaseun Fabusuyi, popularly known as Shamfab reminded the audience that not all change-makers need to be artists. Social media, he noted, is a powerful tool for advocacy and mobilization. He urged young people to take ownership of their time and purpose with this bold statement:
“What are young people doing now? This is your time! What change do you want to make? Yes, you can change anything, but what exactly do you want to do? Our parents have done theirs; now it’s our time.”
This call to action sparked deep reflection on the role young people can play in shaping society.
In response to Hadijah’s self-description as an “average student,” Jimoh Oluwasegun offered a powerful affirmation: “You are perfect the way you are. Just focus on your strengths and work on your weaknesses.”
Jimoh shared his personal struggle with stage fright and how Shamfab helped him overcome it. He humorously noted that in theatre, creatives are often considered “mad,” but that this “madness” is what fuels innovation. His message resonated deeply, reminding the audience that true perfection lies in embracing one’s uniqueness and continuously growing.
Following the open mic performances, Dr. Davis Samson Oladiran, the Dean of Student Affairs at FCE Osiele, expressed his pride in witnessing his students showcase their talents. He affirmed his full support for the initiative and welcomed the possibility of hosting future editions of the event at the institution.
The event served as a powerful reminder that young people are the architects of their future. It encouraged participants to redefine their strengths, embrace their uniqueness, and step into their roles as change-makers. Whether through creativity, academics, or advocacy, the message was clear: What change are you ready to make?
As the event drew to a close, more performances followed, leaving everyone smiling and energized.
With the support of the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), Street Project Foundation launched the Artvocacy Movement in Abeokuta December 2024, with an aim to improve youth political participation and active citizenship while promoting youth engagements through creative expression.
Artvocacy Abeokuta is a movement for young creatives to reckon with and it’s only just beginning. Stay tuned for more as we prepare to storm other institutions across Ogun state with another electrifying event!
