The choir of the Muritala Mohammed Airport Secondary School, Ikeja – Lagos has won the just concluded 14th edition of the all Lagos secondary schools choral competition sponsored by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo). With a brilliant rendition of Sally Albrecht’s Friends On Our Left, and William Barnes’ Linden Lea, the school’s mixed choir cruised home to a victory which earned them individual prizes and musical instruments for their school. Halifield Secondary School, Maryland, came second, while Holy Child College, Obalende, emerged third.

Special guest of honour at the event and wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, commended the NNPC/SNEPCo initiative noting that beyond the competition was the opportunity to groom songsters who combine their musical talent with education.

“In 14 years since the programme began, many young talents have been discovered, raised and nurtured to stardom,” the first lady, represented by Mrs. Mrs Jumoke Adeyemi , charged the students. “I urge all of you children to invest your time wisely in useful and productive engagements like music.”

Group General Manager, National Petroleum Investments Management Services (NAPIMS), Mr. Dafe Sejebor, restated the commitment of the agency to the support of “initiatives that will positively impact the lives of Nigerians.” Represented by Mrs. Bunmi Lawson, the NAPIMS boss noted that music had the potential to help students in the development of their brain and raising their state of consciousness, among other benefits. In his remarks, Managing Director of SNEPCo, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, represented by the Government Relations Manager, Alan Udi, said SNEPCo was committed to preserving the dying culture of traditional folksongs, and the moral lessons that they teach. “SNEPCo views music as a crucial community builder. We are therefore committed to engaging and empowering our young people, giving them the opportunity to develop their talents in all areas.”

*Winners of the 14th edition of the NNPC/SNEPCo music competition; L-R: Music Co-ordinator,Murtala Mohammed Airport Secondary School, Mr. Okedeji James; Head, Business Relations, Shell Nigeria Exploration & Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), Mr. Alan Udi; Supervisor, Community Development, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Mrs Bunmi Lawson; a student of Murtala Mohammed Airport Secondary School , Leonard Idowu-Dawodu; representative of the wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Jumoke Adeyemi; Pianist, Olufemi Adebayo; another student of Murtala Mohammed Airport Emmanuella Kyllians and the Co-ordinator, Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), Sir Emeka Nwokedi.