The Lagos State Government investment in the provision of total education has continuously enhanced proliferation of smart, multi-skilled, exceptional and gifted students in public schools.
This is contained in a statement on Monday in Lagos by Mr Ganiu Lawal, Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Education.
It stated that the extraordinary choral music talent of Schools from the six education districts across the state and on display attest to the abundant raw endowment of the students.
“Lagos State public Schools are noted for high number of gifted and exceptional students not only in academics but also in entertainment and other co-curricular activities,” it stated.
The statement quoted Mrs Folasade Adefisayo, Commissioner for Education, as saying at the presentation of the Y2021 Festival of Choral and Classical Music held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, that she was impressed with performances.
It added that the festival of Choral and Classical Music initiatives by Adefisayo was a platform to showcase our multi-talented students to the world to further encourage, stimulate and motivate them to be professionals in the world of arts and music.
”I am joyful that among the participating students from different schools, great and extraordinary talents have been discovered and the State is indeed proud of them,” Adefisayo said.
She emphasised the importance of music and arts skills as a veritable source of income for the youths across the world.
“I enjoyed hearing them sing and we are indeed proud of the fact that we have such great talents in our schools and encourage them to follow their passion and be determined to succeed.”
The commissioner also advised the students to be resilient, passion driven and standout in various aspects of their academics as the State Government will continue to invest massively in providing a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
Meanwhile, Mrs Abosede Adelaja, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, revealed that the Ministry has initiated various programmes aimed at engaging the students in the last two years.
Adelaja noted that this avenue has also given the education sector an insight on how to assist the students to be better professionals in their discovered talents.
She therefore urged parents to encourage the children rather than condemn them at an early stage, adding that with their performance on stage during the preliminaries, the future is bright for them.
According to her, efforts would be intensified by the State Government to assist them to excel.
The National Daily reports that presentations of trophies and gift items were made to the overall winners at district level and various soloists.
Also in the Choral presentation, Education District IV emerged first, ahead of Districts III and VI to second and third positions respectively.
While Ogundele Oladotun of Lagos State Junior Model College, Agbowa, represented District III and emerged overall best soloist and stage performer, beating Ikechukwu Denzel of Ikeja Junior Grammar School (District VI), and Uche Chisom, representative of District I from District Junior College, Agege, to second and third places.
Also Education District IV emerged best in school Choral and Classical Music Competition.
The event also had special performances by the Lagos State School Choral and Orchestra, students from C.M.S Grammar School, SUBEB Choir, and Mr. Adeniyi Olaewe (Niyi Sax).