Nigeria’s Oldest Secondary School, CMS Grammar School, Wins NNPC/SHELL Choral Competition.

The competition which is open to all secondary schools in Lagos and supported by the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), was rounded off at a grand finale with CMS Grammar School – founded in 1859 - beating Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in Category A of the event. Igbobi College, top prize winners in the previous year emerged third. The grand finale was held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

The First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, in an address sent to the grand finale lauded Shell for “putting together this great contribution to the growth of musical talent in our country.”

Shell’s Vice President Gas (Sub Saharan Africa), Mr. Osten Olorunsola, said: “We are happy to sponsor this yearly event which has become more popular since the maiden edition in 1998. Today, it has grown to rank among the most prestigious choral events in the country. Shell decided to sponsor the event to help develop the musical talents of our youths by exposing them to good and edifying music at an early age. We’re also keen to help preserve the dying culture of traditional folksongs, and the moral lessons that they teach.”

Shell’s Vice President Human Resources (Sub Saharan Africa) Mr. Osagie Okunbor, reiterated Shell’s commitment to the emergence of young musical talents in Nigeria.

Guests were thrilled by the vocal performances of the various competing choirs and soloists. The competition consisted of two categories A and B. Lagos Anglican Girls’ Grammar School, Surulere came first in category B while Muritala Mohammed Airport Secondary School, Ikeja came second, and Ostra Height College, Okota placed third.

SPDC also oraganises choral competition for secondary schools in the Niger Delta. A recent featured Choral and Music Concert held in Port Harcourt to mark Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary, former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke who took his position on stage as lead vocal and saxophonist of a seven-man group known as Flashback Band.