HIASFEST 2024

The 6th edition of the Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu Schools Festival (HIASFEST) was held from the 17th to the 20th of January, 2024. The festival began with a science exhibition by Himma International College (the overall winner of the 2023 edition) following a one million naira innovation grant they got for their win from the initiator of HIASFEST, Alhaji Bala Abdullahi Kwatu. The event took place at the Himma International College premises on the 12th of December, 2023. This event was followed by Panel Discussion sessions and then a Pre-HIASFEST workshop for the contestants in the On-the-spot Writing category.

The opening ceremony took place at the Justice Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna, Niger State. The widely anticipated HIASFEST, organised by the Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation (HCAF) was a magnificent event that featured art administrators, educators, mentors, dignitaries, and, most importantly, the young creative talents of Nigerian youths.

Opening Ceremony Highlights

During the opening ceremony, the Founder, HCAF, Mallam BM Dzukogi in his opening remark appreciated the initiator of HIASFEST Alhaji Bala Abdullahi Kwatu and the Aliyu Trust Foundation for their continuous reception and support to the success of HIASFEST. He commended the Maikunkele Royalty and every guest present. He stated that the Initiator is willing to open HIASFEST for sponsorship from multinational corporations. He mentioned the amount the Initiator and Aliyu Trust Foundation gave as sponsorship in the 2024 edition amounted to over 22 million naira.

He also pleaded for support from the community to spur the festival into a much bigger one. He boasted that the Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation is unbeatable because it owns the future. He urged the students to take hold of the future by being competitive. He ended the speech with "May the losers be better than those who win."

Chairman's Address

The Chairman of the occasion, Mallam Mahmud Tanko of the College of Education, Minna, in his speech spoke about the success of ASCAFS in the past years and how HIASFEST has become a symbol of hope for the current generation. He considered HIASFEST the best schools festival in Africa and the greatest congregation of students in Nigeria. He eulogized the impact of HIASFEST citing that in the next 10 to 20 years, the contestants will be the leaders of the nation and they have been trained through the HIASFEST platform.

It is not all about winning but learning, making friends and meeting people. He therefore implored the participants to take advantage of the opportunity. He prayed that Allah continues to grant the sponsors the bigger heart to do more for the community.

Initiator's Speech

The Initiator of HIASFEST, Alhaji Bala Abdullahi Kwatu in his speech appreciated the District Heads and Village Heads of Maikunkele for honouring HIASFEST with their presence. He talked about Government Day Science College, Minna and how the development strides in the school are being done by the 1992 set of the school. He also introduced the Coordinator of the E-learning centre of the school which was named Mrs Ibiyeye E-Learning Centre in honour of a once Vice-Principal of the college who committed herself to the excellence and development of her students.

He added that the centre is dedicated to educational and entrepreneurial activities. It would also become a JAMB CBT centre. As HIASFEST grows larger annually, he challenged HCAF to expand the festival to West African countries, and to the world. Speaking further, he mentioned that in the 5th edition, an innovative prize of 1 million naira was introduced. He concluded by saying that he would be committing a 100 million naira grant for the sustenance of HIASFEST.

Competitive Events

The competitive events began properly with the Contemporary Song held at the big hall of Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre. The Non-Fiction and Short story events took place at Himma International College, Minna.

Day two of the events began at Himma International College, Minna with the Poetry category. This was followed by the painting category at the Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation headquarters while the Quiz Category took place at the Education Resource Centre, Minna. The day ended with the Drama and Spoken Word category. The day also featured a Night of Dramatic Performances.

Day three began with the ICT and Technology Categories. This was followed by the Innovation Category and the Cultural Dance category at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna which marked the end of the competitive events. The day ended with an AfroDervish Performance by Husayn Zaguru.

Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony was an array of guests from all walks of life. HIASFEST's visionary initiator, Alhaji Abdullahi Bala Kwatu, Professor Yahaya Kuta whose impact reaches underserved regions; arts patrons, Alhaji Suleiman, The Managing Director of Shelter Suites and Hotels LTD, Aisha Firdausi, Faruk Aliyu (Director North South Power Company), Hajiya Amina Nasir, HRM, Aliyu Trust Foundation, Mr Uche Odozor, the MD, Diplomatic Village, Abuja, Aminu Masaga of the ATF, Dr (TPL) Abubakar Saddiq Ahmad, Special Adviser to the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Isah Mohammed, Director Climate Change, representing the Niger State Commissioner for Environment, Hajiya Rahina Muhammed, representing the Niger State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Abubakar Aliyu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Niger State, Mr Nosakhare Collins (Libretto Publisher), Alkasim Abdulkadir (S.A Media, Media & Communications to the Minister of Foreign Affairs), Alhaji Suleiman Abdullahi Dada (District Head, Maikunkele) and his entourage, Alhaji Salihu Maiganga (Representative of the Emir of Minna), Mrs Mary Noel Berje (Special Adviser to the Governor on Women and Affirmative Action), Rtd. General Abba Dikko, Amb. Nma Ahmed (DG RAMP), Aminu Sheikh Mohammed, Dr Ola Ifatimehin, Mr Jerry Adesewo, Dr Uthman Akanbi (ANA President) and other distinguished guests.

Governor's Speech

The Farmer Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, made a noteworthy donation of 10 million naira to the HCAF, demonstrating the government's support for artistic and cultural endeavours. This financial infusion guarantees HIASFEST's sustained prosperity and expansion, indicating the government's acknowledgement of the festival's influence on young people and the larger community.

HIASFEST 2024 AWARDS AND RESULTS