In a colourful display of Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity and the spirit of inclusion, SafeHost International Academy, one of the foremost privately owned inclusive schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Friday hosted a vibrant Cultural Day celebration tagged “Abuja My City.”
The event brought together parents, guests, teachers, and pupils in a lively atmosphere filled with music, dance, drama, art, and cultural presentations, all designed to highlight the beauty, history, and uniqueness of Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja.
Speaking with The Qualitative Magazine, the Proprietor of the school, Mrs. Ngozi Belolisa, described the event as a creative learning platform aimed at helping children better understand and appreciate the cultural and social identity of the city they live in.
Addressing parents and guests during the event, she warmly welcomed participants and emphasized that the celebration was more than just a day of performances.
According to her, the event was the culmination of several weeks of learning activities where pupils explored different aspects of Abuja, including its landmarks, culture, people, and lifestyle.
“Today is a celebration of learning, culture, creativity, and discovery. Over the past few weeks, our children have been exploring the beauty, history, and uniqueness of our nation’s capital, Abuja. Through songs, art, drama, and presentations, they have been learning about the landmarks, culture, people, and lifestyle that make Abuja such a remarkable city,” she explained.
She added that the cultural day was designed not only to entertain but also to build the confidence, creativity, and knowledge of the pupils.
“This event is not just about performances; it is about building knowledge, confidence, and appreciation for our country. It is wonderful to see our children express what they have learned in such creative and exciting ways,” she said.
Mrs. Belolisa reiterated the school’s commitment to practical and engaging education, noting that SafeHost International Academy prioritizes learning experiences that are memorable and impactful for children.
“At SafeHost, we believe that learning should be engaging, practical, and memorable—and today is a reflection of that belief,” she added.
The proprietor also used the occasion to appreciate the teachers whose dedication made the event possible.
“I would like to sincerely appreciate our dedicated teachers who worked tirelessly to prepare the children for today. Your patience, creativity, and commitment are truly commendable,” she said.
She further thanked parents for their continued partnership and support in nurturing the children.
“To our dear parents, thank you for your continuous support, encouragement, and partnership with the school. Your involvement plays a vital role in the growth and success of our children, and we deeply appreciate it,” she noted.
Turning to the pupils, she encouraged them to confidently showcase their talents and enjoy the moment.
“And to our adorable children, we are incredibly proud of you. Today is your moment to shine. Be confident, enjoy yourselves, and show everyone the amazing things you have learned,” she said to loud applause.
The highlight of the event was the rich cultural displays by pupils representing different ethnic groups across Nigeria, reflecting the nation’s diversity and unity. The performances featured traditional attire, songs, dances, and dramatic sketches that showcased the cultural heritage of various Nigerian communities.
Beyond the colourful presentations, the event stood out for its strong emphasis on inclusion and diversity, a value that SafeHost International Academy has consistently championed.
The school is widely recognized as an inclusive learning environment where neurodivergent and neurotypical children learn together, while children with disabilities receive professional support and care within the same educational setting.
During the cultural displays, children with disabilities actively participated in the performances alongside their peers, demonstrating the school’s commitment to inclusive education and equal participation.
Observers noted that the seamless participation of all pupils, regardless of their abilities, sent a strong message about the importance of building a society where differences are respected and every child is given the opportunity to thrive.
Education advocates at the event said initiatives like this help nurture empathy and understanding among children from an early age, which is essential in combating discrimination and stigma associated with disability.
By creating opportunities for children to learn, play, and perform together, SafeHost International Academy is not only shaping young minds academically but also nurturing a culture of acceptance, respect, and unity.
Parents and guests who attended the event commended the school for promoting inclusive education and for creating an environment where every child feels valued and empowered.
For many in attendance, the celebration served as a reminder that inclusion begins in the classroom, and when children grow up learning together without barriers, society moves closer to achieving genuine equality.
As the colourful celebration of “Abuja My City” came to a close, the smiles on the faces of the children and the applause from parents and guests reflected the success of an event that blended culture, learning, and inclusion in a truly memorable way.
Through initiatives like this, SafeHost International Academy continues to demonstrate that education can be both inclusive and inspiring, helping to shape a future where diversity is celebrated and every child has the opportunity to shine.
