By Milcah Tanimu
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has called on music professionals and educators to champion professionalism and contribute to national development through their craft. Speaking at the 19th Annual National Conference of the Society of Music Educators of Nigeria (SOMEN) held in Abuja and hosted by the Directorate of Music, Nigeria Air Force, Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized the importance of leveraging music as a tool for positive societal impact.
Represented by the Chief of Administration (NAF), AVM Idi Sani, the CAS highlighted the alignment of the conference with the key enablers of his command philosophy, particularly emphasizing the significance of deliberate training and mission-oriented force development. He expressed confidence that the conference would enrich the capacity of participants from various institutions, including the military, for more efficient service delivery.
Commending SOMEN for its noble ideas and pivotal roles in setting standards for music education, the CAS stressed the aptness of the conference theme, “Vision 2030 and The Musical Arts Education in Nigeria,” in recognizing the potential of music to contribute to development. He encouraged participants to deliberate on approaches to effectively contribute to the development of their institutions and the nation at large.
In his remarks, the Minister of Education, represented by Mrs. Esther Obi, commended SOMEN for its efforts in aligning with Vision 2030 goals concerning music education in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the development of music education programs and nurturing talents to promote cultural heritage through music. The Minister highlighted the transformative power of music in enriching society, preserving cultural identity, and contributing to economic growth.
Dr. Ikenna Onwuegbuna, the President of SOMEN, described the conference as a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and collaboration. He emphasized the shift from commodity-based to knowledge-based economies globally and encouraged participants to fully engage in workshops and panel discussions to challenge their thoughts and extend their knowledge. Onwuegbuna emphasized the importance of interactions in fostering innovation and academic community thrive.
The Society of Music Educators of Nigeria (SOMEN) was established in 1999 as an academic and professional body dedicated to the development of music education in Nigeria at all levels. The conference serves as a platform for advancing music education and promoting collaboration among music professionals and educators in Nigeria.
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