Illyad Islamic School, Isheri-Oke, Lagos, Local Authority Primary School, Mowo/Agemowo, Badagry and Goldspring Foundation School, Oko-Oba, Agege have come first, second and third respectively at the maiden edition of ‘BOBO Kids with Voices’, a musical initiative to encourage bonding and affinity amongst primary schools in Lagos.

Illyad Islamic School won a brand new school bus, Local Authority Primary School took home musical instruments comprising a keyboard, drum set and amplifier while Goldspring Foundation was rewarded with a keyboard and drum set.

The annual music competition, targeted at pupils of over 2,005 primary schools in Lagos, kicked off in October last year while the grand finale billed to take place in December eventually held last week in Lagos where three winning schools won mouthwatering prizes.

The theme for 2013 edition was “The Nigeria of my dreams” and 20 schools featured in the final of the competition reserved for children from 5-11 years. Each school had 5-8 pupils in the choir. According to Market Manager, BOBO Food and Beverages, Birhiray Ewhubare, the reason for this year’s theme is the fact that the children are the future of the country and it is important for them to have an attitude of patriotism and a sense of belonging.

Speaking at the grand finale Ewhubare said: “After careful study of challenges facing children development especially in the areas of appreciation and expression of the inbuilt talent, our company has designed a talent discovery and reward programme, ‘BOBO Kids with Voices’ a competition for primary school pupils in Lagos.

“ ‘BOBO Kids with Voices’ is an initiative aimed at growing the musical talent of primary school children as well as teaching them the beauty of teamwork. Lagos is the test location for the project and will afterwards be taken to other parts of the country.”

Ewhubare said that to enter for the competition, the schools obtained the entry forms from their local education secretaries and submitted with 200 wraps of the 200ml size of BOBO and a CD/tape of their recorded song.

He said the company has always supported government’s effort in promoting extra-curricular activities and the discovery of new talents. “It would be recalled that the maiden edition of our school activation programme in 2010 was won by Pavic International School, while Command School Bonny Camp and Valour Primary School Apapa emerged winners in 2011 and 2012 respectively,” he said.

He recalled that Benita International School, Asaba, was declared winner of the 2013 BOBO Super Kids and Schools support promo that was carried out in seven states.

•Photo shows a BOBO children’s event.

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