The federal government has indicated its intention to bring back ‘Tales by Moonlight’, stressing that Nigerian youngsters need it.

Specifically, the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Olusegun Runsewe, said it was important that the programme popular, especially in the 1980s and early 1990s, be revived.

“Morals are conveyed through tales by moonlight, and the children are usually engaged meaningfully in thoughts and action. This should be revived,” said Mr Runsewe. “Tales by moonlight is an aspect of storytelling that contains proverbs, witty sayings, idiomatic expressions, folklore, fables and some other aspects of the nation’s culture which must be upheld.”

Mr Runsewe explained that storytelling is gradually dying but has a huge significance to every growing child as it transmits some rich aspects of the nation’s culture from one generation to another.

He stated this at the 34th National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) Children’s Tales by Moonlight Competition at the Ekiti State Civic and Convention Centre, Ado-Ekiti.

He further noted that storytelling would improve children’s sense of alertness, develop their sense of listening, create imageries in their minds, and help them visualise.

“Storytelling is an aspect of life in the olden days which educates and entertains the listener. We need to go back to our roots,” added Mr Runsewe.

The presentation by the Bayelsa children explored the animal kingdom to convey their messages.

Delta and Lagos engaged puppetry as characters to convey their tales, sensitising Nigerians on the need to explore the nation’s cultural diversity for economic gains.

Each state relayed its tales, making good use of idiomatic expressions, proverbs and some comic relief.

The winner of the competition will be announced at the grand finale on November 20.

The festival’s theme is ‘Celebrating National Unity in Diversity’, with ‘Our Diversity, Our Strength’ as a sub-theme.

(NAN)