When students showcased performing art skills in Abuja

Founder, Performing Art School, Nigeria, Ms. OlamidunMajekodunmisaid the competition was organised because the performing arts industry is lacking in Nigeria and there was dire need to encourage the performing arts society in the country starting with young minds. She explained that her organisationwas collaborating with primary and secondary schools to catch children in their prime […]

Founder, Performing Art School, Nigeria, Ms. OlamidunMajekodunmisaid the competition was organised because the performing arts industry is lacking in Nigeria and there was dire need to encourage the performing arts society in the country starting with young minds.
She explained that her organisationwas collaborating with primary and secondary schools to catch children in their prime to indulge in performing arts. She also hinted that studies had proven that children who participate in extra-curricular activities do better academically and work harder too.
“We want people who appreciate art and are ready to align their flair for it with ours to see this as an opportunity to put the country on the global map when it comes to performing arts,”Majekodunmi said.
Nollywood actor, Ramsey Nouah, one of the Judges at the competition said the event sought to help groom students to become very art conscious in the future. He also hinted that more of such platforms should be made available to children and youth to enable them express themselves and get more confidence in the act.
He said the judges considered the creativity of each school with the combination of their act and costume, adding that there was always a message either positive or negative from entertainment which was usually a reflection of what is happening in the society.  
International Community School, Maitama, emerged winner with the cash price of N250, 000 at the secondary school category, while Centagon International School, Maitama, won the lead price of N175, 000 for the primary school category.
One of the performers,EkundaWonodi, said she was overjoyed: “Coming here and winning is a very exciting and refreshing experience. It gave us the chance not to only focus on our academic activities but also on extra-curricular activities.”
Marcella Imoisili from the American International School Abuja, who won the lead prize last year, said they had worked hard this year in trying to pick a song that would relate to the audience, mostly Nigerians.
AyselEbrarKuru, a Turkish student from Nigerian Turkish International Primary School, sang a song in two Nigerian languages (Igbo and Yoruba) to the amazement of the audience: “It is all about happiness and friendship between Nigeria and Turkish nationals. This event showcased the rich culture of Nigeria.”